Since 2003, the March of Dimes has conducted Prematurity Awareness Month activities in November as part of its Prematurity Campaign.  The goals of the campaign are to reduce rates of premature birth in the United States and raise awareness of the problem. 

The major elements of Prematurity Awareness Month 2008 are:

Petition for Preemies (beginning October 1)

• Stating that it’s time for our country to do more to help moms have full-term babies, the Petition calls on federal and state policymakers, hospitals and health care professionals, and the business community to take certain actions that can help reduce the rate of premature births. 
• The petition will be launched online on October 1 at marchofdimes.com/petition.
• By signing the Petition for Preemies, the public can join in helping to make progress in preventing premature birth.