“Over 11,000 babies are born everyday in the United States. Each and every infant should have the opportunity for a healthy start. A healthy start means ensuring that all infants have access to newborn screening to identify and diagnose rare disorders immediately to prevent long term disability and even death. Unfortunately, due to disparities in state newborn screening programs, a healthy start and a healthy life is not a guarantee for all newborns.
“Today, the United States Senate took an important step to ensure that every baby has a healthy start. On behalf of the 3 million volunteers and 1400 staff at the March of Dimes Foundation, I applaud the Senate for its approval of the ‘Newborn Screening Saves Lives Act.' In particular, Senators Christopher Dodd (D-CT), Orrin Hatch (R-UT), and Hillary Clinton (D-NY) deserve our gratitude for their leadership and steadfast support of this important legislation.
“The Newborn Screening Saves Lives Act lays the groundwork for national guidelines on newborn screening and authorizes funding for several federal initiatives designed to increase educational resources for parents and health care providers, improve follow-up care for infants, and provide assistance to states to expand and improve their newborn screening programs.
“Newborn screening is a vital public health activity which provides early identification and treatment for infants affected by certain metabolic, hormonal, genetic and or functional disorders. If all infants are diagnosed and treated early, serious problems including disability and even death can be averted. Disparities among states screening tests persist, which could have dire consequences for an infant diagnosed with one of these rare and extremely serious birth defects. Early diagnosis and proper treatment are essential and can make the difference between lifelong impairment and healthy development.
“I strongly urge the House of Representatives to swiftly act and pass the ‘Newborn Screening Saves Lives Act' as it is an investment in the health and the future of our children.”
The March of Dimes is a national voluntary health agency whose mission is to improve the health of babies by preventing birth defects, premature birth and infant mortality. Founded in 1938, the March of Dimes funds programs of research, community services, education, and advocacy to save babies and in 2003 launched a campaign to address the increasing rate of premature birth. For more information, visit the March of Dimes Web site at marchofdimes.com or its Spanish language Web site at nacersano.org.
Emil Wigode
(202) 659-1800
