NurseWeek

Reward for reduced out-of-wedlock births

By Jill Braden Balderas
Health24News
September 19, 2000


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Washington (H24N). Four states and the District of Columbia will receive $20 million each as a reward for having the largest decrease in out-of-wedlock births between 1995 and 1998.

The bonus is a part of the Welfare Reform Act, which passed Congress in 1996. Under the welfare reform law, all states were required to develop a plan to decrease the number of births to single mothers.

Up to five states may receive money for lowering their out-of-wedlock birth rates each year. In order to win the prize the states must also show a decrease in the number of abortions taking place in the state. Alabama, Arizona, the District of Columbia, Illinois and Michigan are this year’s winners.

"Among the priorities of the 1996 welfare reform law were promoting parental responsibility and encouraging two-parent families," said Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Donna Shalala in a statement Friday. "I am very pleased to award these bonuses as an incentive to advance these important goals."

"Reducing out-of-wedlock births is a significant way to reduce the risk of welfare dependency," said Olivia Golden HHS assistant secretary for children and families. "We look forward to continued results of state efforts to use the flexibility and resources provided by welfare reform."