A bipartisan resolution recently cosponsored by U.S. Reps. Carol Miller (R-WV) Kevin Kiley (I-CA) and aims to bring nationwide attention to necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), a severe, life-threatening gastrointestinal emergency primarily affecting premature or sick newborns.
House Resolution (H.Res.) 1297, which the lawmakers introduced alongside bill sponsor U.S. Rep. Mike Thompson (D-CA), would designate May 17 as Necrotizing Enterocolitis Awareness Day.
“I am thrilled to be joining Congressman Thompson in establishing Necrotizing Enterocolitis Awareness Day to shine a light on the devastating disease that strikes our most vulnerable — newborns,” Rep. Miller said. “NEC is a frightening, often life-threatening condition that no family should have to face without adequate support and resources.
“Raising awareness is essential to driving the medical research that will one day spare other families this heartbreak,” added the congresswoman. “We must continue to stand together and bring real hope to all those affected by this disease.”
With NEC, intestinal tissue becomes inflamed and can lead to life-threatening infections. Upon diagnosis, many babies have only hours or days before their intestines become necrotic, which can progress to sepsis, multisystem organ failure, and death, according to information provided by Rep. Miller’s office.
“With no known single cause, it is important that we raise awareness for necrotizing enterocolitis, a dangerous and life-threatening condition that impacts infants in the most precious stages of their lives. I am proud to join Congressman Thompson in introducing this bipartisan resolution that brings attention to this disease and supports research with the goal of finding a cure,” said Rep. Kiley.
NEC is a complex, multifactorial disease with no single cause, no clear etiology, no cure, and no known way to eliminate the risks for medically fragile infants.
“NEC often strikes in the first weeks and months of a child’s life, quickly turning what should be a happy time for families into a nightmare,” Rep. Thompson said. “I’m honored to introduce this resolution to raise awareness for NEC and promote the importance of continued medical research and support for families impacted by this devastating disease.”
The Necrotizing Enterocolitis Society endorsed the measure, which has been referred for consideration to the U.S. House Energy and Commerce Committee.