Children Are in Danger: Lack of Healthcare, Child Abuse Among Problems

As society grows and grows, so does the amount of danger children are in. Each year, the federal government cuts budgets of non-profit organizations that are the voice for our nation's future. Eight million American children have no health insurance; three million are reported abused and neglected, while two million have parents who are incarcerated, and 13 million live in poverty. Imagine: We pride ourselves on being a wonderful country, but so many other countries (with the same socioeconomic status) are far ahead of us when it comes to taking care of families and children.

Children who do not have health insurance are five times more likely to receive delayed medical attention. These children are also four times more likely to go without eyeglasses and/or medications. Children without health insurance are more likely not to be immunized against preventable communicable diseases. What often will start off, as a small medical problem will become a major medical problem due to lack of proper treatment. Sometimes these children suffer permanent damage to their bodies because there are a lack of resources they need to be treated.

The United States also ranks last among other well-off democracies in infant mortality and longevity. The frustrating part is the United States spends the most money on health care. A total of a million Americans do not have health coverage. A half of all United States bankruptcies are filed due to unpaid medical bills.

Not only are our children in danger due to lack of medical care, but also the United States has the highest rates of child abuse and neglect! There are about three million reports of child abuse and neglect a year and these are only the cases officials are aware of! The United States also has the highest number of child maltreatment deaths!! The United States child abuse death rate is 11 times higher then Italy and three times higher than Canada's. I am not proud to say I am an American.