RALEIGH, N.C. — Parents and their children lobbied state lawmakers to save programs that save lives.

Delia Mimms has spina bifida, a birth defect that can be prevented, but her mother, Angie, did not know how. Mimms said she is now committed to saving health education programs that can spare other children.

A slate of child health programs, which include infant screening and prenatal care are on the state's list of cuts that would help to balance the budget.

"What's at stake is we're going to have babies die. We're going to have children die in the state if we make all these cuts," said Dr. Docia Hickey, an neonatologist.

North Carolina ranks 45th in rates of infant mortality and birth defects, which the programs address. The March of Dimes sponsored the lobbying effort.