Chris Dodd: “I draw attention to the growing problem of premature birth. As a sponsor of the PREEMIE Act, with my colleague Senator…”

“I draw attention to the growing problem of premature birth. As a sponsor of the PREEMIE Act, with my colleague Senator Alexander, I have heard the stories about the strain a premature birth places on families, as well as the lifelong health problems many preterm children face. Nationwide, 1 out of every 8 babies is born too early. In my own State of Connecticut, 1 of every 10 babies born in 2002 was preterm and the rate of preterm births in Connecticut has risen more than 11% since 1992. Senator Alexander and I are introducing a resolution to raise awareness of this public health crisis. As part of their 5-year campaign designed to use the combined power of awareness, education, and research to significantly decrease the number of premature births in the United States, the March of Dimes has designated November as Prematurity Awareness Month. I am pleased to be supporting this campaign. I urge my colleagues to find out about the toll of premature births in their states and to work together to solve this problem. I hope we can move the PREEMIE Act quickly in the 109th Congress in order to expand the Government's efforts to reduce the rates of preterm birth.”