Thread: Residents angry over free prenatal care

Residents angry over free prenatal care
By: MELISSA BUSCH (Tue, Apr/03/2007)


Some Montgomery County taxpayers are challenging a county program that provides prenatal services to uninsured illegal immigrants.

Until late last week, the county's Web site said its prenatal services program, funded this year with a $192,000 state grant, was available to Montgomery County pregnant women who had been “rejected by medical assistance because of undocumented residency status.”

The county changed that statement to say the program is available to low-income pregnant residents who are “rejected by medical assistance,” after residents complained at Thursday's commissioners meeting that it looked as if the county was reaching out to illegal immigrants and forgetting about U.S. citizens.

The program provides prenatal lab tests, pharmacy services, and assistance with nutrition issues and smoking cessation to help reduce infant mortality and preventable diseases.

“You're making it more comfortable for [illegal immigrants],” Ruth Miller, of East Norriton, said during the meeting. “You're shirking your duties by doing this. How many American citizens will be turned away for lack of funding because [illegal aliens] are getting [health care]?”

County spokesman John Corcoran said illegal immigrants won't be turned away, but comments by Miller and two other women at last week's meeting triggered the change in the Web site.

“We looked into it and it was a mistake,” Corcoran said of the Web wording. “So it was clarified to just say it was for anyone rejected by medical assistance, because that's who it's for.”

Program funding comes through the Pennsylvania Department of Health's Maternal and Child Health grant.

Human services director Joe Roynan said many Mexican nationals take advantage of the program. It was unclear Monday afternoon exactly how many undocumented mothers have used the services.

“It's a worthy program,” Roynan said. “Once born, that child is a resident.”

Miller objected, saying: “Before he is born, his mother is an illegal immigrant and should be deported.”

SERVICES AVAILABLE

Services are available at: Family OB/GYN Center of Montgomery at 15 W. Wood St. in Norristown, (610) 270-2488; and Mercy Suburban OB/GYN Center at 2701 DeKalb Street in Norristown, (610) 278-2171.

Melissa Busch can be reached at 215-957-8168 or mbusch@phillyBurbs.com.
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Article's URL:

http://www.phillyburbs.com/pb-dyn/news/ ... 24322.html

“It's a worthy program,” Roynan said. “Once born, that child is a resident.”

Miller objected, saying: “Before he is born, his mother is an illegal immigrant and should be deported.”

Thank you Ms. Ruth Miller!

Sounds like they just changed the wording on their website, but not the policy of giving free prenatal care to illegals...and of course forgetting about American citizens.

What else is new?