Debbie Dingell: “I strongly support S. 286, the ``Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities Prevention Act of 2003.'' I would like to…”

“I strongly support S. 286, the ``Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities Prevention Act of 2003.'' I would like to commend my colleagues, particularly Representatives Brown and Stupak for working so diligently on this legislation. Birth defects are the leading cause of infant mortality in the United States, accounting for more than 20 percent of all infant deaths. About 150,000 babies are born each year with birth defects; this means frightening news for the parents of one out of every 28 babies. Both genetic and environmental factors can cause birth defects; however, the causes of 60 to 70 percent of all birth defects are unknown. These shocking numbers compel us to take steps to learn more about their causes, to identify factors that may cause or increase the risk of a baby having a birth defect, to educate the public about these potential risks, and to inform women about how to protect themselves and their babies. S. 286 reauthorizes the programs of the National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to conduct research on and promote the prevention of birth defects and developmental disabilities. This legislation also supports a National spina bifida program to prevent and reduce suffering from the Nation's most common permanently disabling birth defect.”