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March of Dimes Statement on U.S. Senate HELP Committee Approval of the SMART Mom Act
Washington, D.C., July 11 — The following is a statement by Dr. Jennifer L. Howse, President of the March of Dimes, on the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee’s approval of the Safe Motherhood Act for Research and Treatment (SMART Mom).
On behalf of its three million volunteers and 1,600 staff members, the March of Dimes applauds the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee for approving the SMART Mom Act.
This bill is an important step to improve the health of babies by preventing birth defects and infant mortality. The March of Dimes strongly supports the bill’s goal of improving the health of pregnant women and their infants.
Especially important is the bill’s provision to expand research into preterm labor and delivery. Since the 1980s the rate of preterm birth has increased 17 percent and the rate of low birthweight has risen 10 percent. Numerous interventions have been tried with little success. The rates of prematurity are steadily increasing and as a nation, we must invest in research to reverse this trend.
“With the growing rates of prematurity, it is critical to complete action on this legislation before the end of this Congress. The March of Dimes looks forward to working with Senator Harkin (D-Iowa) and the bill co-sponsors to enact and fund the SMART Mom Act this year.
Contact: Christina Manero, (202) 261-7582
Matthew Rhodes, (202) 659-1800
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