Proclamation 4780, issued by former U.S. President Jimmy Carter, tackles the ongoing issues of infant mortality and child well-being in the United States. Released in response to rising worries about health inequalities, the text showcases the country’s achievements in lowering infant death rates while stressing that "it is not low enough." Carter emphasizes the necessity of structural change, suggesting a Child Health Assurance Plan to ensure thorough healthcare for children across America.
The document combines data-driven insights with impassioned advocacy, portraying child health as a critical national concern demanding continuous dedication. Its central argument rests on the relationship between quantifiable improvements and lingering disparities, concluding with a plea for legislative action to protect future generations.
Jimmy Carter, Proclamation 4780
“ The infant mortality rate in the United States has steadily decreased during this century and is now the lowest in our history-but it is not low enough. Statistically, a child born in this country today can expect 73.2 years of healthy and productive living, but many of our children still die in childhood or infancy. ”
Jimmy Carter, Proclamation 4780
“ The health of our children and our posterity requires unfailing vigilance and dedication. Accordingly, I have proposed to the Congress this year a Child Health Assurance Plan to help ensure adequate health care for all American children. ”
