High risk perinatal care in California.

Rates of perinatal mortality are still too high in California. Mortality and morbidity, particularly for high risk pregnancies, can be reduced by the use of modern technology in the hands of highly trained personnel. New goals for perinatal care have been published by the California Medical Association reflecting these changes. This kind of care is too costly to be developed in all the small obstetric units presently providing services in California. Consolidation of obstetric and neonatal units into fewer hospitals can make it economically possible for these units to meet present-day standards.