Senator Collins Co-Sponsors Bipartisan Legislation to Improve Health of Newborn Babies

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Susan Collins co-sponsored the Newborn Screening Saves Lives Reauthorization Act, a bipartisan bill to help save lives and improve the health of newborn babies by providing federal funding for comprehensive and standardized newborn screening tests for conditions such as critical congenital heart disease, cystic fibrosis, and hearing loss. The tests can identify treatable conditions that, if caught early, can prevent serious illness, lifetime disabilities, and even death.

“Standard health screenings can help ensure that newborns receive the best possible start in life.  These medical assessments provide parents with peace of mind and are essential for catching conditions early so that proper treatment can begin as soon as possible,” said Senator Collins.  “The Newborn Screening Saves Lives Reauthorization Act would build on the success and effectiveness of screening programs, educate providers, and empower parents.”

The bipartisan Newborn Screening Saves Lives Reauthorization Act – which builds on the Newborn Screening Saves Lives Act of 2008 – provides funding for state programs that screen newborns for a complete panel of disorders, as recommended by experts, and that educate parents and providers about the disorders. The bill also includes additional funding to support states’ follow-up and tracking programs, as well as to ensure laboratory quality. Each year, these screenings result in more than 12,000 newborns being diagnosed with disorders, many of which can be treated even before symptoms begin to appear.

The Newborn Screening Saves Lives Reauthorization Act was co-authored by Senators Maggie Hassan (D-NH) and Roger Wicker (R-MS).  The House version of the bill was introduced by Representatives Lucille Roybal-Allard (CA-40), Mike Simpson (ID-02), Katherine Clark (MA-05), and Jaime Herrera Beutler (WA-03). 

To read the text of the bill, click HERE.