Expressing support for the designation of May 17, 2026, as "Necrotizing Enterocolitis Awareness Day".
- Bill Number
- H.Res. 1297
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 2
- Policy Area
- Health
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2026-05-15: Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
- Last Updated
- 2026-06-25T19:00:58Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
This resolution expresses support for designating May 17, 2026, as "Necrotizing Enterocolitis Awareness Day" to highlight the condition and encourage efforts to reduce its effects on infants.
Key Provisions
- Recognizes necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) as the leading cause of death in hospitalized premature infants after two weeks of age.
- Notes that premature infants and those with conditions like congenital heart disease face the highest risk.
- States that thousands of babies develop NEC annually, with hundreds dying, and survivors often facing lifelong health issues.
- Highlights that NEC causes severe inflammation leading to intestinal damage, with surgery not providing a cure.
- Estimates annual U.S. hospitalization costs at $5 billion, representing about 19 percent of neonatal care expenses, with surgical cases costing $200,000 or more each.
- Emphasizes breast milk as a key preventive measure, with pasteurized donor milk as the next best option when mother's milk is unavailable; formula offers less protection.
- Calls for recognizing parents as key members of care teams and partnering with families for better outcomes.
- Notes that NEC affects both premature and full-term infants, with a need for more data on its causes.
- Points out disparities where Black infants are disproportionately affected and die from NEC compared to White infants.
- Affirms the need to raise awareness to build a future without NEC.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
This resolution introduces no changes to existing law, as it is a non-binding expression of support rather than a measure that alters statutes or regulations.
Potential Impacts
- May increase public and medical community focus on NEC prevention and care for affected infants and families.
- Could indirectly encourage better data collection and support for research on the condition.
- No direct effects on government agencies, citizens, or international relations are specified.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Premature and at-risk infants and their families.
- Healthcare providers involved in neonatal care.
- Organizations focused on infant health and awareness efforts.
- Congressional members sponsoring or supporting the resolution.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
The resolution carries no legal or constitutional force, as it does not create enforceable obligations or alter government authority. It serves a symbolic role in highlighting a public health issue without mandating actions or funding.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (2)
Rep. Kiley, Kevin [I-CA-3], Rep. Miller, Carol D. [R-WV-1]
Recent Actions
- 2026-05-15: Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
- 2026-05-15: Submitted in House
Bill Versions
- Expressing support for the designation of May 17, 2026, as "Necrotizing Enterocolitis Awareness Day". — issued 2026-05-15 — PDF (3 pages)