Expressing support for the designation of "Prematurity Awareness Month".

Bill Number

H.Res. 877

Origin Chamber

House

Congress

119th Congress, Session 1

Policy Area

Health

Status

Introduced

Latest Action

2025-11-17: Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.

Last Updated

2025-11-19T13:01:05Z

AI-Generated Summary

Purpose

This House Resolution (H. Res. 877) aims to recognize and support the designation of November as "Prematurity Awareness Month." It highlights the ongoing crisis in maternal and infant health in the United States, emphasizing the risks of preterm births (babies born before 37 weeks of pregnancy) and calling for increased public awareness, education, and prevention efforts.

Key Provisions

• Background Context: The resolution outlines alarming statistics and trends, including:
• Over 370,000 preterm births in 2022 (1 in 10 babies), the highest rate since 2007.
• Preterm birth as the leading cause of newborn death and disability, accounting for 35.8% of infant deaths and contributing to issues like intellectual delays, breathing problems, and vision/hearing impairments.
• Disparities in outcomes, with Black and Native American women 62% more likely to have preterm births, and their babies twice as likely to die compared to White babies.
• Broader maternal health challenges, such as the U.S. having one of the highest maternal mortality rates among high-income countries, with 80% of pregnancy-related deaths preventable, and over 50,000 women affected by complications annually.
• Economic and social burdens, including $25.2 billion in annual costs from preterm births and higher risks in areas with limited maternity care access (e.g., over 10,000 excess preterm births in such areas from 2021–2023).
• Core Actions: The House of Representatives:
• Expresses support for "Prematurity Awareness Month" (marking its 22nd anniversary in November 2025).
• Urges the public, interest groups, and affected individuals to observe the month with events and activities, promote awareness, and support preterm birth prevention programs through research, public health initiatives, and addressing social disparities.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

This is a non-binding resolution with no legal force, so it introduces no changes to existing laws or statutes. It serves as a symbolic statement of congressional support rather than enacting new policies or regulations.

Potential Impacts

• On Citizens: Encourages greater public awareness of preterm birth risks, potentially leading to more community involvement in prevention (e.g., better prenatal care, addressing social factors like poverty or access to healthcare). Families of preterm infants may benefit from reduced stigma and increased support resources, though emotional and financial burdens (e.g., NICU stays) remain unaddressed directly.
• On Government Agencies: No direct mandates, but it signals congressional priority for maternal and infant health, which could influence future funding or programs at agencies like the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). It may indirectly support evidence-based public health efforts without requiring new appropriations.
• On International Relations: Minimal impact, though it underscores U.S. challenges in maternal health compared to other high-income countries, potentially highlighting areas for global health collaboration.

Main Stakeholders Affected

• Pregnant Women and New Mothers: Particularly those in underserved communities, racial minorities (e.g., Black and Native American women), and maternity care deserts (areas with limited healthcare access), who face higher risks of preterm birth and maternal complications.
• Infants and Families: Preterm babies and their families, who deal with long-term health needs, disabilities, and high costs.
• Health Advocacy Groups and Communities: Organizations focused on research, education, and disparity reduction, encouraged to lead awareness efforts.
• Healthcare Providers and Public Health Entities: Including hospitals, NICUs, and programs aimed at preventing preterm births through better social determinants of health (factors like housing, education, and environment).

Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications

• Legal/Constitutional: None significant, as resolutions like this are expressions of opinion without enforceable effect. They do not alter laws, rights, or government operations and align with Congress's role in raising awareness on public health issues under the Constitution's general welfare clause.
• Political: Demonstrates bipartisan support (introduced by a diverse group of representatives) for addressing maternal and infant health disparities, potentially building momentum for future legislation on preventable deaths and inequities. It politically amplifies calls for investments in research and equity without committing resources, serving as a platform for advocacy during a noted health crisis.

This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.

Sponsor

Rep. McClellan, Jennifer L. [D-VA-4]

Cosponsors (13)

Rep. Kelly, Robin L. [D-IL-2], Rep. Kiggans, Jennifer A. [R-VA-2], Del. Norton, Eleanor Holmes [D-DC-At Large], Rep. Tonko, Paul [D-NY-20], Rep. McIver, LaMonica [D-NJ-10], Rep. McGarvey, Morgan [D-KY-3], Rep. Schakowsky, Janice D. [D-IL-9], Rep. Ramirez, Delia C. [D-IL-3], Rep. Kennedy, Timothy M. [D-NY-26], Rep. Clarke, Yvette D. [D-NY-9], Rep. Carson, André [D-IN-7], Rep. Dingell, Debbie [D-MI-6], Rep. Williams, Nikema [D-GA-5]

Recent Actions

• 2025-11-17: Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
• 2025-11-17: Submitted in House
• 2025-11-17: Submitted in House

Bill Versions

• Expressing support for the designation of "Prematurity Awareness Month". — issued 2025-11-17 — PDF (4 pages)