Overviews vital statistics data, emphasizing differences in health status between the Black and White populations with respect to specific diseases and mortality. Discusses major causes of death among US Blacks. (GC)

Examines Black health status from the slavery period to the present, discusses health status disparities between Blacks and Whites in the areas of life expectancy and infant mortality, and considers socioeconomic factors affecting Black health status. (Author/GC)

Discusses socioeconomic factors that lead to disproportionate rates of low birthweight and high infant mortality in the Black population. Calls for national policy efforts that would remove financial barriers to premedical care and provide adequate income support for all. (GC)

Reviews literature on prenatal drug abuse to (1) estimate mothers' drug use and exposure of infants; (2) document the relationship between prenatal drug use and adverse birth outcomes; and (3) examine effects of maternal drug use on birth defects. Argues for more treatment facilities and greater prevention efforts. (SLD)