Senate Passes Premature Birth Research and Prevention Legislation
On Sept. 12, in a bipartisan vote, the Senate passed legislation to renew and expand research and prevention efforts on premature birth, called the PREEMIE Act, S. 3029. The PREEMIE Act, sponsored by Sens. Alexander (R-TN) and Bennet (D-CO), renews Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Health Resources and Services Administration programs aimed at promoting healthy pregnancies and preventing premature births. It also directs the Health and Human Services Secretary’s Advisory Committee on Infant Mortality to study severe maternal morbidity. Now that it has been passed by the Senate, the bipartisan House PREEMIE bill, H.R. 6085, sponsored by Reps. Eshoo (D-CA) and Lance (R-NJ), is expected to move towards passage soon.
Last Reviewed: September 14, 2018
