[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 33 (Wednesday, February 22, 1995)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E406]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                      BIRTH DEFECTS PREVENTION ACT

                                 ______


                           HON. HENRY BONILLA

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, February 22, 1995
  Mr. BONILLA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to join my good friend from 
Texas [Mr. Ortiz] as an original cosponsor of the Birth Defects 
Prevention Act of 1995. Similar legislation was introduced by my 
colleague from Texas last year.
  This legislation sets up a national tracking system which is based on 
a tried and true model in the area of cancer, where the Centers for 
Disease Control has worked in partnership with States, funding programs 
to monitor the incidence and research the environmental cases.
  The surveillance program would identify and address the causes of 
birth defects, including risks from environmental chemicals, diet, 
occupational hazards, personal habits and infections; evaluate and put 
in place the most effective prevention strategies for such birth 
defects as spina bifida and fetal alcohol syndrome, and design targeted 
intervention strategies responsive to community concerns for special 
problems in minority, rural, and other underserved populations.
  Mr. Speaker, more children die from birth defects in the first year 
of life in the United States than from any other cause, including 
prematurity and low birth weight. Birth defects are also a leading 
cause of childhood disability.
  A significant proportion of common birth defects are preventable. 
This bill would provide important information to future parents and 
grandparents to educate them on how to implement prevention strategies 
that are responsive to community concerns.
  Preventive education has already been a positive factor in Texas. For 
example, studies indicate that women should consume at least 0.4 
milligrams of the B vitamin folic acid every day to reduce the risk of 
having a child born with serious birth defects of the brain and spine.
  These studies were helpful in finding answers to the higher incidence 
of neural tube defects among Hispanics on nationwide basis and 
especially along the border. In south Texas, getting the urgent message 
out about folic acid is a major means of preventing birth defects. 
Folic acid is needed before a woman becomes pregnant. A woman can find 
the nutrient in green leafy vegetables, beans, orange juice, and a 
variety of other foods.
  Every couple wants to have a healthy baby; however, birth defects cut 
across all geographic areas, classes, and races. Until we can discover 
a cure for birth defects, it is essential that mothers and fathers-to-
be plan ahead and give their child the prenatal care that every child 
deserves. It's a wise investment in our children.
  This bill is the important first step in helping our next generation 
be healthy and active members in our communities.


                          ____________________