As a young parent and member of the House Public Health Committee, I see the value of investing in maternal health issues. That's why I continue working to promote issues that will advance women's health, like WIC.

The Women, Infants and Children Program (WIC) is a federally funded nutrition program for pregnant moms and their children under 5 years old. WIC was created over 50 years ago to fight the high rates of malnutrition among pregnant women and young children, both especially vulnerable populations. In Arkansas alone, WIC is currently providing healthy food options for approximately 62,000 low-income families.

Nutritional success depends on access. Programs like WIC are only effective if families actually use them. It's important that we keep the current rules in place to help ensure that enrollment is simple and accessible.

Unfortunately, Congress is considering changing the WIC rules on access. The path to a child's healthy start begins with good nutrition in utero; for a new low-income mother, having access to healthy food and critical nutrition support is crucial, whether it is accessing infant formula or the food she needs to produce her own milk. These early years of child development are just too significant to put access at risk.

Research has consistently shown that WIC participation is associated with healthier pregnancies, fewer premature births, and improved cognitive development in young children. Children who receive WIC benefits are more likely to enter school ready to learn and less likely to experience long-term health complications.

If Congress rolls back the rules that make WIC accessible to Arkansas moms and their babies, a mom might soon be required to drive a long distance--right after the birth of her baby--to enroll in the program, rather than enrolling online or by phone. She might not be able to use an online WIC-EBT card to receive her nutrition support.

This is a program that has worked well for years, with almost no controversy. The restrictions on the program are pretty simple: Only the healthiest food is permitted under WIC rules.

That's why Arkansas leadership matters. Sen. John Boozman has supported policies that keep WIC strong and accessible for Arkansas families. By maintaining and protecting the rules that make WIC work, leaders like Senator Boozman have helped bridge the gap between need and access--between uncertainty and stability--for thousands of Arkansas families.

We need him to keep supporting our WIC moms and babies. Reducing accessibility will have a negative impact on the healthy food served in high chairs and kitchen tables across our state.

Continuing to support WIC is an investment in healthier mothers, stronger children, and a better future for our state.

Rep. Aaron Pilkington, R-Clarksville, is serving his fifth term in the Arkansas House of Representatives, and serves on the Public Health, Welfare, and Labor Committee. Pilkington is the father of four young children.

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