Palo Alto Rep. Eshoo's Infant Health Bill Passes House

PALO ALTO, CA -- U.S. Rep. Anna G. Eshoo (D-Palo Alto) co-authored a bill with Republican New Jersey Rep. Leonard Lance to reduce infant deaths related to premature births, the congresswoman announced this month. The legislation is called the Prematurity Research Expansion and Education for Mothers who deliver Early Infants Reauthorization Act. It passed the House of Representatives and will now be sent to the U.S. President Donald Trump for his signature.

“Every year in the U.S., 10 percent of babies are born prematurely, putting them and their mothers at an increased risk of complicated health problems,” Eshoo said. “Since shepherding this legislation into law in 2006, the "PREEMIE" Act has helped researchers and doctors identify the causes of premature births and work to prevent them. The number of preterm births decreased from 2007 to 2014, but they’ve begun to rise again. I look forward to the president signing this reauthorization into law to ensure that every child has a healthy start to life.”

Lance joined his across-the-aisle colleague's sentiment.

“There may be no greater calling than to help infants thrive in the early days of life. By working together and getting this legislation signed into law, we can continue to reduce premature birth rates and confront childhood disabilities that many young people face. This is good and important work and the kind of positive difference federal efforts can make in the lives of many,” he said.

“After a decade of decline, the preterm birth rate has risen the past three years, which is unacceptable for a country with our vast resources. This bill will go a long way in reducing the number of babies that are being born too sick and too soon,” March of Dimes President Stacey D. Stewart said.

The legislation reauthorizes the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s research and data collection on infants born prematurely. The Health Resources and Services Administration adds to the fight with programs from grants helping doctors and the public understand the potential risk factors for having a preterm baby such as smoking. Grant funding is also used to screen and treat expectant mothers for substance use disorders, including opioid use disorders.

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