Washington, D.C., Dec. 9, 2006-- Dr. Jennifer L. Howse, president of the March of Dimes, made the following statement as the U.S. Congress sent the “PREEMIE” Act (S. 707) to President Bush for his signature:

“Congress has responded to the growing crisis of premature birth by approving a bill that will increase federal support for research and education on prematurity.  On behalf of 3 million active volunteers and 1400 staff of the March of Dimes working in every state, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico, I thank the United States Congress for approving the “PREEMIE” Act.

“Premature birth is one of the most common, serious and costly problems facing America's infants, affecting more than 500,000 babies in the U.S. each year, and causing disability and death in too many cases. Recent government data shows preterm birth to be the leading cause of infant mortality, accounting for more than two-thirds of infant deaths.  In addition to the emotional toll on families, the financial impact of the problem of premature births was brought into sharp focus by a recent report from the Institute of Medicine that found preterm birth cost the United States more than $26.2 billion in 2005 in medical care, lost household and labor market productivity and early intervention services. An earlier study by the March of Dimes estimated that the in-patient hospital charges alone were $18.1 billion in 2003, 44% of which was billed to employers and other private plans and 49% to the Medicaid program.  We look forward to President Bush signing this bill which will benefit America’s Children and their families.

“We at the March of Dimes are deeply grateful to bill sponsors, Senators Lamar Alexander (R-TN) and Christopher Dodd (D-CT) and Representatives Fred Upton (R-MI) and Anna Eshoo (D-CA).  We also want to thank chairman of the Senate committee, Mike Enzi (R-WY) and House chairman Joe Barton (R-TX) for their efforts in guiding the bill to a vote in each chamber.  March of Dimes volunteers and staff across the nation have worked toward this day for more than 3 years.

“In one of it’s most important provisions,  the bill authorizes a Surgeon General’s conference at which scientific and clinical experts from the public and private sectors will sit down together to formulate a national action agenda designed to speed development of prevention strategies for preterm labor and delivery.

“We look forward to President Bush signing this bill which will benefit America’s Children and their families.  We also look forward to working with the administration and the 110th Congress on funding the provisions in the bill.”

 “In Ohio, we also wish to acknowledge Co-Sponsors Senator Mike DeWine and Representative Ted Strickland for their support,” said Dr. Nancy Myers, Chair of the Ohio March of Dimes State Board of Directors. The passage of this bill reflects our deep concern about the effect premature birth has on babies, mothers and families,” she added.

The March of Dimes is a national voluntary health agency whose mission is to improve the health of babies by preventing birth defects and infant mortality. Founded in 1938, the March of Dimes funds programs of research, community services, education, and advocacy 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 Web site at nacersano.org.