Birmingham, AL – State health officials say they're seeing fewer Hispanics in county clinics since Alabama's new law on illegal immigration took effect, and they're worried that could lead to an increased risk of illnesses across the state.
Dr. Jim McVay of the Alabama Department of Public Health said Friday that waiting rooms that were full in some counties now have empty seats. He says the change is most noticeable in north Alabama, where Hispanics haven't come to clinics as often since the law took effect.
Supporters of the new law say it's designed to create jobs for Alabamians and drive down costs for services including health care. But McVay says there are potential health complications anytime people are afraid to go to the doctor, and those include an increased risk of illnesses.
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