Expressing support for the designation of May 17, 2025, as "Necrotizing Enterocolitis Awareness Day".
H. Res. 429 is a non-binding House resolution that expresses support for designating May 17, 2025, as “Necrotizing Enterocolitis Awareness Day.” The measure provides context on NEC (necrotizing enterocolitis), highlighting that it is a leading cause of death among hospitalized premature infants after two weeks of age and that those most at risk include premature babies and infants with medical complications. It outlines the significant medical and economic burden of NEC, notes preventive benefit from breast milk (and pasteurized donor human milk when maternal milk is unavailable), and emphasizes partnerships with families in care. The resolution does not create new policy or funding but signals congressional support for raising awareness about NEC and its impact.
Key Points
- 1NEC is described as the most common cause of death in hospitalized premature infants after two weeks of age, with high risk for babies born prematurely or with medical conditions (e.g., congenital heart disease).
- 2The condition involves a severe inflammatory process that can cause intestinal tissue damage; surgery is not curative, and survivors may face lifelong neurological and nutritional challenges.
- 3Economic impact is substantial: NEC hospitalizations cost about $5 billion annually and account for roughly 19% of neonatal health care expenditures in the U.S.; surgical NEC cases can cost $200,000 or more per patient.
- 4Prevention and feeding strategies are highlighted: breast milk is among the most effective preventive measures; when maternal milk is unavailable, pasteurized donor human milk is the next-best option; formula does not protect against NEC in high-risk infants.
- 5The resolution emphasizes that preventing NEC while supporting families requires trusted, collaborative care with parents as essential members of the care team.
- 6NEC can occur in both preterm and term infants, and there is a call for more data to understand why NEC occurs in different groups; disparities exist, with Black infants disproportionately affected and dying from NEC.
- 7The bill aims to build public awareness and support for efforts to reduce NEC's impact.