ACOG Statement: A Message to the US Congress on Zika Virus Funding

Washington, DC—Thomas Gellhaus, MD, President of the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), released the following statement regarding Zika virus funding:

"It’s hard to believe that Congress would go home without passing a bill to fund our Nation’s effort to keep women and babies safe from the Zika virus.

“The American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists’ (ACOG’s) 57,000 members are on the front lines, caring for women whose pregnancies are at risk from Zika and Zika’s devastating birth defects. Our Nation needs immediate action.

“As of June 30th, nearly 600 pregnant women have been infected with Zika in the US states and territories. Every baby born with microcephaly will cost our Nation an estimated $10 million in lifetime care costs, in addition to the devastating emotional trauma to families.

“Congress can help prevent these tragedies, or Congress can go home. Leaving moms and babies at risk is WRONG.”

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (The College), a 501(c)(3) organization, is the nation’s leading group of physicians providing health care for women. As a private, voluntary, nonprofit membership organization of more than 57,000 members, The College strongly advocates for quality health care for women, maintains the highest standards of clinical practice and continuing education of its members, promotes patient education, and increases awareness among its members and the public of the changing issues facing women’s health care. The American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), a 501(c)(6) organization, is its companion organization. www.acog.org