WASHINGTON—Legislation championed by U.S. Senators John Boozman (R-AR) and Michael Bennet (D-CO) extending critical federal research, education and intervention activities aimed at reducing preterm birth and infant mortality has been signed into law. The Prematurity Research Expansion and Education for Mothers who deliver Infants Early (PREEMIE) Reauthorization Act allows for these critical federal efforts to now continue through 2030.

“There are too many families nationwide dealing with the complications of preterm birth, including thousands in Arkansas,” Boozman said. “It is vital to continue research and education initiatives that identify causes and contributing factors, as well as solutions. This vital work will help improve prenatal care, address premature birth and reduce infant mortality so more moms and babies in my state and throughout America can thrive.” 

“In an average week in Colorado, 117 babies are born prematurely,” said Bennet. “I am pleased to see our PREEMIE Reauthorization Act signed into law. This bill will continue lifesaving research to help prevent premature delivery and give mothers and babies a healthy start in life.”

“Reauthorizing the vital research efforts through the PREEMIE Act allows us to continue addressing preterm birth at a time when the United States received a D+ on the 2025 March of Dimes Report Card,” said March of Dimes Senior Vice President of Public Policy & Government Affairs Stacey Y. Brayboy. “March of Dimes is proud to have worked with Senators Bennet and Boozman and their bipartisan colleagues in the House of Representatives to secure passage of the PREEMIE Act, which has now been signed into law. March of Dimes thanks the senators for their strong leadership and commitment to advancing policies that improve maternal and infant health.”

The PREEMIE Reauthorization Act enables research and data collection by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in addition to the Health Resources and Services Administration on infants born prematurely as well as programs designed to improve the treatment and outcomes for infants born prematurely. This includes grants to help doctors and the public understand the potential risk factors for having a preterm baby, such as smoking, as well as screening and treating pregnant women for depression and substance use disorders including opioid addiction. These programs had not been reauthorized since 2023.

In 2024, there were 4,289 preterm births in Arkansas, representing 12.1 percent of live births. Premature birth can lead to significant developmental delays and chronic health problems for infants. Here’s what Arkansans are saying about passage of the bill:

“The Arkansas Hospital Association applauds Senator Boozman for his tireless leadership in securing the reauthorization of the PREEMIE Act. Prioritizing this legislation ensures our hospitals have the research and resources necessary to tackle preterm birth head-on and improve outcomes for every mother and baby in Arkansas,” said Arkansas Hospital Association Executive Vice President Jodiane Tritt.

“As a state legislator and a father, I know how critical it is to support mothers and infants—especially when a child is born too soon. The PREEMIE Act strengthens research and care for premature babies and reflects a shared commitment to giving every child the best possible start in life,” said Arkansas State Rep. Aaron Pilkington, R-Knoxville.

“Complications associated with prematurity and low birth weight are leading causes of infant mortality in the United States and can have long-term health implications for survivors. The rates of preterm birth in Arkansas and other Southern states remain higher than other areas of the country. As a practicing neonatologist in a high-risk delivery center, and provider who follows NICU graduates after discharge, I see every day the effects of prematurity on patients and their families, and evidence of the very real health care disparities in our state. Anything we can do to support research to better understand and potentially prevent preterm birth, improve the medical care of infants born prematurely, educate families and healthcare providers, and increase access to medical care in underserved areas is vital to the health and well-being of Arkansas,” said Dr. Sara Peeples, Neonatologist at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS).

This legislation was signed into law as part of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2026.

Boozman has championed collaboration in Arkansas to elevate maternal and infant health, including hosting roundtables with policy experts and leaders in central and Northwest Arkansas. For Fiscal Year 2026, he secured investments for projects to support enhanced maternal and infant care in communities ranging from Newport and Jonesboro to Fort Smith and Little Rock, in addition to UAMS mobile units to provide rural prenatal care. The senator was also recognized by March of Dimes for his advocacy in 2024.