Whilst it is highly commendable and reassuring that the UK healthcare system has made such progress with
implementing the Baby Friendly
standards, recent staff shortages in maternity services, cuts to health visiting services and de-commissioning of
voluntary sector support undermine this success.
-- A State retains the right to enter into a
voluntary partnership with another State to develop and
implement the challenging State academic
standards and assessments required under this section, except that the Secretary shall not attempt to influence, incentivize, or coerce State --(1) adoption of the Common Core State
Standards developed under the Common Core State
Standards Initiative or any other academic
standards common to a significant number of States, or assessments tied to such
standards; or (2) participation in such partnerships.