This focus of this section of our website is to compare and contrast policies and legislation active across our eight states as it relates to preconception health, access to care and women’s wellness (broadly defined to also include mental health and domestic violence). An analysis is currently underway thanks to Elizabeth Hudgins of the North Carolina Child Fatality Task Force.

Legislatures in the South pay attention to the way in which their neighboring states address and support key issues. About 10 years ago as data was emerging about the efficacy of folic acid in reducing the risk of neural tube defects, it was clear that represented officials did not want to be compared with their peers in other states and come up as not being supportive of this key public health issue. Tobacco taxes and policy are other areas where states may look to the work of their neighbors. As our states have similar populations and cultural contexts, advocates who work collaboratively across state lines may be more likely to be successful than those who work alone.

In the mid eighties, the Governors of the eight states who are part of Every Woman Southeast convened a regional conference on infant mortality. This generated significant political will among state legislatures in the region to address issues relating to infant mortality.

Looking forward, Every Woman Southeast has an interest in potentially reconvening the Southern Governor’s Conference. It is also important that we work together with members of Women’s Health Councils and Commissions on Women in each state.