31-2A-50. Legislative findings.

The General Assembly finds and declares that:

Georgia ranks as the forty-ninth worst in the nation for the number of maternal deaths occurring during and one year after pregnancy;#

Georgia ranks as the thirty-second worst in the nation for the number of infant deaths occurring before the first birthday;#

Georgia ranks as the forty-fifth worst in the nation for the percentage of premature births, a leading cause of infant deaths;#

Low birth weight or premature infants are more likely to survive if the birth takes place in a facility which is prepared to handle the risks associated with such deliveries;#

Several states have established programs to inspect and designate facilities that have developed the capacity to provide expanded levels of neonatal and maternal care; and#

Therefore, it is in the best interest of the residents of this state to establish a program that encourages the improvement of quality of care to create better maternal and neonatal outcomes.#