[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 18 (Thursday, February 12, 2004)]
[Senate]
[Pages S1276-S1277]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     INFANT MORTALITY RATE INCREASES FOR THE FIRST TIME SINCE 1958

 Mr. BOND. Mr. President, I rise to today to discuss some 
disturbing news. According to a preliminary report released by the 
CDC's National Center for Health Statistics, infant mortality in the 
U.S. increased from 6.8 deaths per 1,000 live births in 2001 to a rate 
of 7.0 in 2002. This is the first time that the infant mortality rate 
has increased since 1958. Birth defects, preterm birth and low 
birthweight, and maternal complications of pregnancy were the major 
factors contributing to this increase.
  During the last session of Congress we passed legislation that I 
introduced with Senator Dodd to renew the Federal commitment to finding 
the causes of birth defects and preventing those for which we know the 
causes. I am very proud of the important work being conducted by the 
National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities at the 
CDC in this area.
  Congress has not yet addressed the problem of premature birth and low 
birthweight. In 2002, more than 480,000 babies were born prematurely in 
the U.S 1 in 8 births. In my own State of Missouri, 12.7 percent of 
births are preterm, an increase of more than 11 percent over the last 
decade. Preterm labor can happen to any pregnant woman and the causes 
of nearly half of all preterm births are unknown.
  In January of 2003, the March of Dimes launched a 5-year, $75 million

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campaign to prevent preterm birth. Also supporting the campaign are the 
American Academy of Pediatrics, the American College of Obstetricians 
and Gynecologists, the Association of Women's Health, Obstetric and 
Neonatal Nurses and 28 other national organizations. I cannot think of 
a better group of organizations to take on this serious public health 
problem. As significant as the March of Dimes campaign will be, success 
in reducing the incidence of prematurity requires a commitment from the 
Federal Government as well.
  I am pleased to be a cosponsor of vital legislation aimed at reducing 
the rates of preterm birth. The ``PREEMIE Act'' authorizes expansion of 
research into the causes and prevention of prematurity and increases 
Federal support of public and health professional education as well as 
support services related to prematurity.
  I would like to conclude by telling you the story of Jacqueline 
Reineri. Born 4 months premature, at just 24 weeks gestation, 
Jacqueline was given a very slim chance for survival. She was the size 
of a small doll, weighing just 1 lb., 10 ounces. Jacqueline had a 
grade-three brain bleed among many other complications and spent 96 
days in the neonatal intensive care unit, NICU.
  Today, Jacqueline has Spastic Quadriplegia Cerebral Palsy and gets 
around in a power wheelchair. She has endured four major surgeries and 
will continue to experience many long-term effects of prematurity. 
While her family worries about her future, they feel blessed that she 
is a very intelligent second grader in a typical classroom and a very 
active advocate for prematurity and children with special needs, 
serving as the Missouri March of Dimes Ambassador.
  As inspiring as Jacqueline's story is many premature babies aren't as 
lucky. The recent increase in the rate of infant mortality underscores 
the importance of a comprehensive public-private effort to find the 
causes and ultimately prevent premature birth.
  I ask all of my colleagues to join me today in pledging to do all we 
can to ensure a day when all children are born healthy.

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