Story perspectives

Mississippi Lawmakers Tackle Women and Children's Health Crisis

12/12/2025

Summary

Story summary

On December 10, 2025, Mississippi lawmakers held a Senate committee hearing on health challenges affecting women and children.
State health officials linked rising obesity rates to higher maternal and infant mortality, and Dr. Daniel Edney noted 44.5% of preterm births involved mothers with unhealthy weights.
Christina Dent called for addiction-support programs without fear of legal repercussions, and lawmakers said SNAP changes could raise state costs, with hearings continuing in January.

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Story summary

On December 10, 2025, Mississippi lawmakers held a Senate committee hearing on health challenges affecting women and children.
State health officials linked rising obesity rates to higher maternal and infant mortality, and Dr. Daniel Edney noted 44.5% of preterm births involved mothers with unhealthy weights.
Christina Dent called for addiction-support programs without fear of legal repercussions, and lawmakers said SNAP changes could raise state costs, with hearings continuing in January.