Washington, D.C., April 24, 2008 – Dr. Jennifer L. Howse, president of the March of Dimes, issued the following statement following the signing of the Newborn Screening Saves Lives Act (S. 1858) by the President of the United States:
“The March of Dimes thanks Congress for its bipartisan leadership in advancing this critical life-saving legislation and President Bush for signing the Newborn Screening Saves Lives Act into law. Today we celebrate an important investment in the health and the future of our all our nation’s newborns.
“While the crucible of action has and will remain in the states, this legislation lays the groundwork to establish national guidelines on what conditions should be tested and authorizes funding for states to strengthen their existing newborn screening programs. It also authorizes funding to provide educational resources for parents and health care professionals about the process, and, if necessary, appropriate follow-up care. Therefore, it is critical Congress appropriates funding for this bill because these initiatives will improve the lives of thousands of affected newborns.
“Aggressive advocacy by the March of Dimes and our many invaluable partners—including parents, other non-profit organizations, and officials in state health departments across the country—has brought us from June 2005 when only 38% of the nation’s 4 million newborns were being tested for 21 or more conditions to close to 90% of newborns who are today screened for that many disorders.
“Newborn screening is a vital public health activity that provides early identification and treatment for 29 treatable metabolic, hormonal, genetic and or functional disorders as recommended by American College of Medical Genetics and endorsed by the March of Dimes and the American Academy of Pediatrics. Failure to screen for these conditions puts every baby at risk because if untreated, a seemingly healthy newborn with an undetected condition can become seriously ill, resulting in brain damage, lifelong disabilities, coma, or even death.
“Our work will not cease until every baby born receives universal screening regardless of where the family lives. This bill will help bolster state programs and most of all it will help families and save lives.”
The March of Dimes is a national voluntary health agency whose volunteers and staff work to improve the health of infants and children by preventing birth defects, premature birth and infant mortality. Founded in 1938, the March of Dimes funds programs of research, community services, education, and advocacy. For the latest resources and information, visit marchofdimes.com or nacersano.org.
