Washington, D.C., October 16, 2003—The following is a statement by Dr. Jennifer L. Howse (pronounced HOUSE), President of the March of Dimes, on the introduction of the "Prematurity Research Expansion and Education for Mothers who deliver Infants Early" (PREEMIE Act) and the critical issue of prematurity.

“Today, on behalf of the 3 million volunteers and 1400 staff of the March of Dimes working in every state, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico, I commend Senators Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.) and Christopher Dodd (D-Conn.) for their leadership in authoring the 'PREEMIE Act' S. 1726.  This proposal, if enacted, would authorize expansion of research into the causes and prevention of prematurity and would also increase federal support for education and services related to prematurity.

"Premature birth is one of the most common, serious and costly problems facing America's infants, responsible for about half of all infant hospitalization charges.  In 2000, the total national hospital bill for premature babies was $11.9 billion.  And we know overall hospital charges are increasing so we expect this cost to rise. Prematurity affects 476,000 babies in the U.S. each year causing disability and death in too many cases.  Just as the March of Dimes worked to find a way to prevent polio, we have taken on the fight against this growing problem.  The five-year campaign will involve a March of Dimes investment of at least $75 million.  It will include research to find the causes of prematurity; education for pregnant women and health professionals, support for families who have premature babies, and advocacy to generate federal and state support for research as well as improved access to health coverage for affected women and children.

"Enactment of the 'PREEMIE Act' is needed to expand resources necessary for research into the causes of prematurity.  March of Dimes volunteers and staff look forward to working with the Senate and House sponsors, and our Prematurity Campaign Partners--the Academy of Pediatrics, the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology, and the Association of Women's Health, Obstetric and Neonatal Nurses--to obtain swift Senate approval of this measure.

"Individuals and families across America must come together to address this urgent problem.  To learn more about the issue and to help initiate the first National Prematurity Awareness Day on November 18, visit marchofdimes.com."