Boyle Introduces Legislation to Raise Awareness, Fight Premature Births

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, on World Prematurity Day, Congressman Brendan F. Boyle (PA-13) introduced a resolution (H.Res.625) to congressionally designate November as Prematurity Awareness Month. The resolution highlights the importance of reducing the number of infants born too soon. Senators Sherrod Brown (D-OH) and Johnny Isakson (R-GA) joined Boyle in introducing the identical Senate resolution.

"Despite our place as the most advanced country in the world, the United States is seeing a disturbing rise in premature birth rates – more than one in ten babies are born before 37 weeks," said Congressman Boyle. "Designating November as Prematurity Awareness Month will help us promote a stronger understanding of prematurity and its causes, and give us the opportunity to join families and healthcare professionals in recognizing the importance of this issue."

The resolution is endorsed by March of Dimes, an organization working to end premature births and prevent infant illness and mortality. March of Dimes is one of many organizations and individuals around the globe that observe Prematurity Awareness Month during November to improve public awareness of the causes and consequences of premature birth. Annually, more than 380,000 infants are born early in the United States. Premature birth is the leading cause of newborn death, and babies who survive are more likely to suffer from intellectual and physical disabilities, which can last throughout their lives. In addition to its human, emotional, and financial impact on families, premature birth is extremely costly to the United States. A 2006 report by the Institute of Medicine found the cost associated with premature birth in the United States was $26.2 billion annually, which is borne by both private and public insurers.

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