Rep. Robin Kelly Introduces Bipartisan Legislation to Prevent Preterm Births

Representative Robin Kelly
Representative Robin Kelly

Rep. Robin Kelly Introduces Bipartisan Legislation to Prevent Preterm Births

PREEMIE Reauthorization was cut from 2024 spending bill to fund programs researching, treating preterm births

WASHINGTON – U.S. Rep. Robin Kelly (IL-02) introduced bipartisan legislation to prevent preterm births with U.S. Reps. Mariannette Miller-Meeks (IA-01), Lizzie Fletcher (TX-07), Buddy Carter (GA-01), Shontel Brown (OH-11) and Jen Kiggans (VA-02). The Prematurity Research Expansion and Education for Mothers who deliver Infants Early (PREEMIE) Reauthorization Act of 2025 will improve pregnancy outcomes and infant health by continuing federal research, education and intervention activities to reduce preterm birth and infant mortality.

The PREEMIE Reauthorization was included in last year’s spending bill before the health provisions were removed at the eleventh hour.

The preterm rate in the U.S. has worsened from 2013 to 2023, increasing from 9.8% to 10.4%. Inequities in healthcare contribute to higher preterm births for Black and Indigenous mothers. In 2023, 22 states had a preterm birth rate higher than the national average, including Illinois, Georgia, Texas, Ohio and Virginia. A baby born before 37 weeks of gestation is at higher risk of death and physical or intellectual disabilities.

“I am proud to once again lead the effort to reauthorize the PREEMIE Act and help babies live happy, healthy lives. Adding a new member to the family should be an exciting time, but one out of 10 families experience uncertainty, fear and anxiety instead,” said Rep. Kelly. “Health agencies should be supported and funded to research best preventative practices, with a special focus on Black and Indigenous mothers. This bipartisan legislation proves our conviction and political will to prevent preterm births, and I am determined to see it through.”

“Babies born prematurely already have a steep hill to climb. The ‘Prematurity Research Expansion and Education for Mothers who deliver Infants Early (PREEMIE) Reauthorization Act,’ ensures that preterm babies have a better opportunity at a healthy start,” said Dr. Miller-Meeks. “I’m proud this effort to support research and educational programs to uncover the cause and impact of preterm births has strong bipartisan support.”

“Every parent deserves the peace of mind that comes with knowing their child has the greatest possible start in life,” said Rep. Fletcher. “By strengthening research, expanding education programs, and improving access to care, the PREEMIE Act gives infants a better chance at a healthy start. I am glad to join Congresswoman Kelly, Congresswoman Brown, Congresswoman Kiggans, and Congressman Carter in introducing this legislation to help reduce preterm births and to improve health outcomes for families in Texas’ Seventh Congressional District and across the country.”

“Every single baby deserves a healthy start and a fair chance at life. Unfortunately, babies born prematurely are at a disadvantage, and the infant mortality crisis heavily impacts my home state of Georgia. That’s why I am proud to support the PREEMIE Reauthorization Act, which will bring necessary resources to preterm babies and save lives,” said Rep. Carter.

"Too many mothers and families in Cleveland know the fear and heartbreak of a premature birth. It remains one of the leading causes of infant mortality in the U.S., disproportionately impacting underserved communities," said Rep. Brown. "I am proud to support the PREEMIE Act because it advances research and interventions that ensure all babies—no matter their background—have a strong and healthy start in life.

“Having a baby be delivered prematurely is a stressful time for many parents across the Commonwealth and the country,” said Rep. Kiggans. “We must do everything in our power to support the health of these babies and improve pregnancy outcomes for mothers. I am honored to join my colleagues in introducing the PREEMIE Reauthorization Act of 2025, which would support expecting Moms, prevent premature births, and ensure all babies have the support they need from the second they’re born.”

The PREEMIE Act of 2006 first authorized the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to research premature births and the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) 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.

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