Washington, D.C. – Congressman Michael C. Burgess, M.D. (R-TX) drafted an op-ed highlighting the Prematurity Research Expansion and Education for Mothers Who Deliver Infants Early Reauthorization Act  (PREEMIE).   

Protecting and Caring for Our Most Vulnerable Citizens 
The Washington Examiner 
August 12, 2023 
Read full op-ed here.

The White House corridors are where decisions that shape our nation are made. Those same corridors once resonated with a father's grief, a president's pain.

This week marks the anniversary of an event that transcends politics: the birth and loss of Patrick Bouvier Kennedy. The infant’s loss is a poignant reminder that even the first family of the United States is not immune to the impacts of preterm birth.

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Having spent three decades as a practicing OB/GYN, I have witnessed firsthand the importance of safeguarding the health and well-being of our most fragile citizens — newborn infants. The urgency of addressing premature birth, an issue that reverberates through countless households, cannot be overstated. This is why I’m advocating the revival of essential federal research, education, and intervention initiatives through the Prematurity Research Expansion and Education for Mothers Who Deliver Infants Early Reauthorization Act of 2023. Through a concerted refocusing of our endeavors, we can work to attenuate preterm birth rates and confront infant mortality.

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The PREEMIE Act is not only an investment in the health and well-being of our nation's children but also a step toward addressing health disparities within our society. Indeed, it is a crucial step toward addressing the long-term effects that premature birth imposes on newborns and their families. By preventing premature births, we can decrease the rate of infant mortality and provide children with greater opportunities to lead long and healthy lives. This will help us address the disparities that continue to burden our healthcare system. 

Babies born prematurely should not face unnecessary disadvantages due to a lack of resources or understanding. By investing in research, education, and intervention programs, we can ensure that every baby, regardless of their circumstances, receives a healthy start in life.