DeLauro, Burgess Introduce Birth Defect Prevention, Risk Reduction, and Awareness Act

Press Release

Congresswoman Rosa L. DeLauro (CT-3) and Congressman Michael C. Burgess, M.D. (TX-26) introduced the Birth Defects Prevention, Risk Reduction, and Awareness Act of 2010 today, which will help provide accurate, evidence-based information to pregnant and breast-feeding women about medications, chemical exposures, foodborne illness and other exposures associated with birth defects or health risks to a breastfed infant. Women who are pregnant or breast-feeding often have difficult questions, such as if they should continue taking medications for chronic diseases, or whether they should get vaccinated against H1N1 or the seasonal flu. The bill would establish a grant program to revitalize the national network of pregnancy risk information services (PRISs), more than half of which have closed over the last decade due to lack of funding. Over 70,000 women seek information from these essential services each year.

The legislation, which has been endorsed by the American Academy of Pediatrics, March of Dimes, the Organization of Teratology Information Specialists, Spina Bifida Association, American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, and Allergy and Asthma Network/Mothers of Asthmatics, would also call for a national information campaign to help increase public awareness among health providers and at-risk populations.

"There is nothing more important than protecting our children, and this legislation will help expectant and breast-feeding mothers to obtain clear, accurate information about the potential risks of medications, illnesses, and other exposures during pregnancy and breastfeeding, helping them to both avoid risks and improve healthy behaviors like taking folic acid," said Congresswoman DeLauro. "Unfortunately, research shows that up to half of pregnant women are not counseled by their health care providers about the potential risks of medications they may be taking, and programs to provide this information have been closing due to state and local budget cuts. This legislation will finally help mothers and health care professionals access critical information to help them ensure their babies are healthy, and I urge my colleagues to support our efforts."

"During my 25-year medical practice as an obstetrician, I saw far too many expectant mothers and newborn babies affected negatively by a simple lack of education and information. It is so important that expectant mothers have all the information necessary, in consultation with their doctors, about how to ensure a safe and health pregnancy for both the woman and the child. This includes knowing if the medications the woman is taking are safe for the unborn baby, illnesses the mother may have come into contact with, and other factors that may pose a risk of birth defects," said Congressman Michael C. Burgess, M.D. "Many of the issues that arise from this lack of information are preventable, so we must make sure pregnant women have access to services and education to ensure a healthy pregnancy and a healthy baby."

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