Recognizing "Necrotizing Enterocolitis Awareness Day".

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Introduced on May 16, 2024 by Michael Thompson

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Legislation Details

  • Recognizes the importance of raising awareness about necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), the most common cause of death in hospitalized premature infants after two weeks of age.
  • Highlights that babies born prematurely or with medical complications are most at risk for NEC.
  • Notes that thousands of babies develop NEC each year, leading to hundreds of deaths from this condition.
  • Describes NEC as causing severe inflammation that can lead to intestinal tissue damage and death, with many babies living only a few hours or days after diagnosis.
  • Points out that surgery for NEC is not curative and survivors often face lifelong neurological and nutritional complications.
  • States that NEC results in approximately $5 billion in hospitalization expenses annually in the U.S., accounting for about 19 percent of neonatal healthcare expenditures.
  • Emphasizes that breast milk is the most effective way to help prevent NEC in medically fragile infants, with pasteurized donor human milk being the next safest option when the mother’s milk is unavailable.
  • Mentions that formula does not protect against NEC in medically fragile infants, who receive the most protection from their mother’s own milk and pasteurized donor milk.
  • Acknowledges that while the risk of NEC cannot be fully eliminated and there are not yet sure ways to stop or cure NEC, preventative measures are effective at reducing risks.
  • Advocates for parents to be trusted and valued as the most important members of their baby’s care team, with healthcare providers partnering with families for the best care.
  • Notes that NEC can develop in both premature and term babies, with more data needed to understand how and why NEC occurs.
  • Highlights disparities and variations in care, leading to Black infants being disproportionately affected by, and dying from, NEC compared to White infants.
  • Supports the designation of “Necrotizing Enterocolitis Awareness Day” to bring Americans together to raise awareness about this devastating neonatal disease.

Last updated 8/8/2024