Prematurity: Write a Letter to the Editor

Help spread the word about the problem of premature birth. Send a letter to the editor of a newspaper or magazine. 

A letter to the editor is an easy and effective way to tell your community that premature birth is a serious problem that deserves their attention. If the newspaper or magazine wants to publish your letter, the editor will usually contact you in advance and tell you the publication date.

Step #1: Highlight, copy and paste one of the sample letters below into an e-mail or Word document. If you like, include statistics about preterm birth in your state from the March of Dimes Web site Peristats.

Step #2: Add your name and any other necessary information.

Step #3: Sign and send!

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Sample Letter to the Editor , #1

To the Editor:

In the U.S. today, one in eght babies is born prematurely, including (number) in (your state). More newborns die from premature birth than any other cause. Millions of children face serious health challenges or have trouble learning in school because they were born too soon. But solutions are within our grasp.

Together we can find the causes of premature birth. Join the March of Dimes in urging the president, Congress, federal and state policy makers and the business and health care communities to move us forward in helping moms have healthy, full-term babies. Visit the March of Dimes Web site today: marchofdimes.com/prematurity.

Sincerely,

(YOUR NAME)
(YOUR BUSINESS OR COMMUNITY AFFILIATION)

Sample Letter to the Editor, #2

To the Editor:

In the U.S. today one in eight babies is born prematurely, including (number) in (your state). And millions of children face serious health challenges or have trouble learning in school because they were born too soon. In fact, more newborns die from premature birth than any other cause.

It’s time for us to do more to help moms have healthy full-term babies. Join the March of Dimes in urging the president, Congress, federal and state policy makers and the business and health care communities to move us forward in helping moms have healthy, full-term babies. Visit the March of Dimes Web site today: marchofdimes.com/prematurity.

Sincerely,

(YOUR NAME)
(YOUR BUSINESS OR COMMUNITY AFFILIATION)

(YOUR BUSINESS OR COMMUNITY AFFILIATION)

December 2008