On the recordDecember 19, 2012
I thank the gentleman. Madam Speaker, I'm very proud to rise in support of the PREEMIE Act legislation that I introduced with Congressman Leonard Lance. He's been a terrific partner not only on this legislation but on other pieces of legislation that we've moved through the Energy and Commerce Committee, and I salute him. This bill will expand research, education, and prevention of preterm birth. As the mother of two children, I know how precious the earliest part of life is, and it's our responsibility to do everything we can to make sure that our little ones begin their lives with more than a fighting chance. Each year, as was stated, half a million babies are born prematurely in our country, and preterm birth is the leading cause of newborn mortality and the second-leading cause of infant mortality. Babies born even a few weeks too early can require weeks to months of hospitalization after birth, and premature birth can sometimes lead to developmental delays and disability later in life. In addition to the emotional and physical toll of prematurity, there are significant health care costs to families, to our medical systems, and our economy. A 2006 report by the Institute of Medicine found the cost associated with preterm birth in the United States was $26.2 billion annually, or $51,600 per infant born preterm. These are staggering amounts of dollars.…
