Following opening remarks by presiding committee member Matthew F. McHugh, this hearing record begins with a fact sheet inserted into the record which provides information on the following issues: infant mortality in the U.S. and in upstate New York; the inadequacy, unavailablity, or unaffordability of prenatal care; other obstacles to care including drug use; and the importance of parent education. Supplemental tables and graphs give data on the connection between infant mortality and low birthweight; federal maternal health programs; and medicaid coverage by state. The community Health Worker Program, a community-based family outreach program, and similar programs are described. Infant mortality, and child and maternal health problems, in Onondaga County and the city of Syracuse are discussed. A copy of the Onondaga County Infant Mortality Action Plan is included. Statistics cited highlight maternal and child health problems faced by black Americans. Nine health care professionals offered prepared statements and verbal testimony to the committee, and thirteen other interested individuals provided prepared statements. These statements and testimonies addressed the topics covered in the fact sheet, and other topics, including: poverty; adolescent pregnancy; syphilis; HIV infection; education; child abuse; health insurance; family planning; outreach programs; and problems of rural health delivery. (BC)