"Tendencies in foetal-infant mortality in countries characterized by very low overall mortality rates should be set forth in terms of health. First with respect to physical health, greater use of technology in reproductive matters is translated by an increase in both survival rates of very low birth weight infants and, in certain countries, in multiple deliveries. Next concerning social health, given the persistence and potential deepening of social inequalities, it is unlikely that overall rates have reached a peak. Several indicators can be developed with vital statistics, including incidence of low and very low birth weight, specific risks by birth weight, and differential risks by social characteristics of the parents. These phenomena can be monitored and, to a certain extent, compared in [Canada and] a large number of European countries." (SUMMARY IN ENG AND SPA)