Rep. Kelly’s bill to prevent preterm births included in health funding bill

WASHINGTON - U.S. Rep. Robin Kelly's (IL-02) bill to prevent preterm births has been included as a provision in the Labor, Health and Human Services funding bill. The Prematurity Research Expansion and Education for Mothers who deliver Infants Early (PREEMIE) Reauthorization Act of 2025 will improve pregnancy outcomes and infant health. The legislation funds federal research, education, and intervention activities to reduce preterm birth and infant mortality.

"I am proud to lead the effort to reauthorize the PREEMIE Act and ensure it successfully becomes law. Every mother should have the necessary support before, during, and after labor, and every baby should have a healthy start to life," said Rep. Kelly, chair of the bipartisan Maternity Care Caucus. "Illinois was one of 22 states to experience a higher preterm birth rate than the national average, disproportionately impacting Black and Indigenous moms. That's unacceptable. I'm improving health outcomes for moms and babies in Illinois and across the country."

A baby born preterm, or before 37 weeks of gestation, is at higher risk of death and physical or intellectual disabilities. In the U.S. from 2013 to 2023, preterm birth rates increased from 9.8% to 10.4%.

The PREEMIE Act of 2006 first authorized the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to research premature births and the Health Resources and Services Administration to improve treatment of premature infants. The PREEMIE Reauthorization Act of 2025 also provides grants to help the public understand risk factors for preterm birth and treatment for pregnant people with depression and substance use disorders.