42 U.S.C. § 247b–11 — Effects of folic acid in prevention of birth defects

(a) In general The Secretary, through the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, must expand and strengthen programs — run directly or through grants or contracts — to: (1) educate health professionals and the public on how folic acid helps prevent birth defects, and encourage every woman of reproductive capacity, whether or not she is planning a pregnancy, to take a daily dietary supplement with the right amount of folic acid; (2) research that education and training, including finding effective ways to get more women of reproductive capacity to take folic acid; (3) research how folic acid helps prevent birth defects, including cleft lip, cleft palate, and heart defects; and (4) run appropriate epidemiological work on folic acid and birth defects, including on neural tube defects. (b) Consultations with States and private entities While carrying out (a), the Secretary must consult with states and other appropriate public or private groups, including national nonprofit organizations, health professionals, and health insurance and health plan providers. (c) Technical assistance The Secretary may give technical help, directly or through grants or contracts, to public and nonprofit private groups carrying out the activities in (a). (d) Evaluations The Secretary must evaluate, directly or through grants or contracts, how well the (a) activities are meeting their goals, including their effects on different demographic groups. This evaluation can include surveys of what people know and believe about folic acid, and about blood folate levels, and can include complete, timely tracking of infants born with neural tube defects. (e) Authorization of appropriations Whatever money is necessary is authorized for fiscal years 2001 through 2005.