Chris Dodd: “I join with my colleague, Senator Mike DeWine, to introduce legislation to protect the most vulnerable members of our…”

“I join with my colleague, Senator Mike DeWine, to introduce legislation to protect the most vulnerable members of our society: newborn infants. About 2 months ago, many families across the country celebrated Father's Day. As a first-time dad of a 10-month-old baby girl, I now know the joy of being able to experience that holiday and every other pleasure that comes along with being a father. What I also now share with parents everywhere is a constant sense of worry about whether our kids are doing well, are feeling well, and are safe. Nothing is of greater importance than the health and well-being of our children. Thanks to incredible advances in medical technology, it is now possible to test newborns for at least 30 genetic and metabolic disorders. Many of these disorders, if undetected, would lead to severe disability or death. However, babies that are properly diagnosed and treated can go on to live healthy lives. In the most direct sense, newborn screening saves lives.”