RDCC Joins in Support of “Newborn Screening Saves Lives Reauthorization Act of 2021” in Letter to Senate Leaders

Our Coalition joined with more than 70 organizations, led by the March of Dimes, to call on the U.S. Senate to advance the “Newborn Screening Saves Lives Reauthorization Act of 2021” (S. 350). The House version of the bill (H.R. 482) passed with overwhelming bipartisan support last summer. Given the very limited availability on the Senate calendar, now is the time for the Senate to act on this bill and advance it to the floor.

Each year thousands of babies are born with rare diseases that may not be apparent at birth. Fifty years ago, these infants’ disorders would have gone undetected until symptoms appeared, leading to possible death or lifelong disability. Today, a simple set of newborn screening tests performed at birth can detect these life-threatening illnesses before any symptoms begin, allowing crucial time for early diagnosis and treatment.

Click here to read the full letter submitted to Congressional leadership.