Health in Pregnancy Grant
Monday, 10 Sep 2007 09:21
Pregnant women are to receive a one-off grant to encourage them to buy healthy foods under new government proposals.
The “health in pregnancy” grant will be formally announced by the health secretary Alan Johnson on Wednesday in the government's first major speech on health policy.
From 2009, expectant mothers will be given a £200 payment during their third trimester as well as professional advice on maintaining a balanced diet.
The initiative is intended to even out health inequalities between rich and poor families across England and Wales, and reduce infant mortality rates.
It will not be means tested and it is unclear how the government intends to ensure the money will be spent on nutritious food, rather than cigarettes or alcohol.
The government already publishes advice aimed at promoting healthy eating during pregnancy but this new scheme has been met with “nanny state” accusations.
Politics.co.uk brings you the key quotes and reactions...