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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Tuesday, June 19, 2001 		Contact: HHS Press Office
(202) 690-6343

STATEMENT BY
HHS SECRETARY TOMMY G. THOMPSON
Regarding CDC's "Impact of Folic Acid Fortification" Report

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) finding that certain debilitating birth defects, such as spina bifida, have decreased by 19 percent following folic acid fortification of the U.S. food supply and related educational efforts is wonderful news. This finding highlights how extremely important prenatal care is to ensuring the health and well-being of our nation's children.

The success reported today is the result of CDC, the Food and Drug Administration and the National Institutes of Health working together to promote the health and wellness of our future generations. Because of their efforts, about 800 healthy babies have been born in the U.S. who would have otherwise suffered from preventable birth defects.

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Note: All HHS press releases, fact sheets and other press materials are available at www.hhs.gov/news.