WASHINGTON—U.S. Senators John Boozman (R-AR) and Michael Bennet (D-CO) introduced legislation to improve pregnancy outcomes and infant health by continuing research and education programs aimed at preventing preterm births.

The Prematurity Research Expansion and Education for Mothers who deliver Infants Early (PREEMIE) Reauthorization Act would reauthorize critical federal research, education and intervention activities to reduce preterm birth and infant mortality. The legislation also calls for a study to better understand the factors that lead to preterm birth and identify effective prevention and treatment options.

In 2023, there were 4,259 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. While preterm delivery can happen in any pregnancy, the rate of preterm birth for Black mothers is disproportionately high.

“Arkansas families and providers face the consequences of preterm birth too often with one of the highest rates in the country. Although important progress has been made through awareness initiatives and investments in research, intervention and education to promote better outcomes for infants and mothers, there is more work to be done,” said Boozman. “Our bipartisan legislation is a strong step in the right direction to reduce preterm births and infant mortality so more moms and babies lead strong, healthy lives.”

“We need more research to understand the causes of preterm births and ensure more moms have access to the care they need, especially in underserved communities where preterm birth rates are disproportionately high,” said Bennet. “Our bipartisan bill will renew lifesaving research to prevent premature delivery and give mothers and babies a healthy start in life.”

The PREEMIE Act reauthorizes the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s research and data collection on infants born prematurely and programs at the Health Resources and Services Administration aimed at improving the treatment and outcome of 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 have not been reauthorized since 2023.

“Every family deserves the healthiest possible start, but for far too many in the U.S., that’s not the reality,” said March of Dimes Senior Vice President for Public Policy and Government Affairs Stacey Y. Brayboy. “The March of Dimes Report Card shows a preterm birth rate of 10.4 percent—more than 370,000 babies born too soon and too sick. That’s unacceptable. Preterm birth with low birthweight is the second leading cause of infant death, behind birth defects. Improving access to quality health care before, during, and after pregnancy is essential to changing these outcomes. The PREEMIE Reauthorization Act is the only federal law focused on preventing and treating preterm birth. Renewing this legislation is a vital step toward reversing this alarming trend and giving every mom and baby the best possible start.” 

Companion legislation was introduced in the House of Representatives by Robin Kelly (D-IL-02), Mariannette Miller-Meeks (R-IA-01), Lizzie Fletcher (D-TX-07), Buddy Carter (R-GA-01), Shontel Brown (D-OH-11) and Jen Kiggans (R-VA-02).

The bill text is available here.