Title: Governor Cuomo Signs Legislation to Require Congenital Heart Defect Screenings for Newborns
Headings: Governor Cuomo Signs Legislation to Require Congenital Heart Defect Screenings for Newborns
Governor Cuomo Signs Legislation to Require Congenital Heart Defect Screenings for Newborns
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Content: Governor Cuomo Signs Legislation to Require Congenital Heart Defect Screenings for Newborns
November 30, 2012
Albany, NY
Governor Cuomo Signs Legislation to Require Congenital Heart Defect Screenings for Newborns
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Governor Cuomo Signs Legislation to Require Congenital Heart Defect Screenings for Newborns
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Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced the signing of legislation that will require birthing facilities such as general hospitals and clinics to screen newborns for congenital heart defects through pulse oximetry screening, also known as pulse ox. The condition, which affects the structure and function of a newborns heart, is present in nearly one percent of live births each year, and is the leading cause of infant death due to birth defects, according to the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Adding this screening to the required list of examinations by birthing facilities has the potential to save more newborn lives. It is heartbreaking when a parent loses their child to a condition that could have been easily detected and appropriately treated, Governor Cuomo said. This law will prevent the number one cause of infant death due to birth defects by requiring hospitals and clinics to screen newborns for congenital heart defects increasing early detection of this condition so that we can take quick action to save the lives of our children. I am proud to sign this bill, which will dramatically improve newborn care in New York, and I thank the bill sponsors, Senator Larkin and Assemblywoman Gunther, for their work. According to the CDC, approximately 7,200 babies born each year have critical congenital heart defects (CCHDs), which represents about 25 percent of CHDs. CCHDs account for nearly 30 percent of all deaths of infants under the age of one year and in other infants, they can lead to serious physical or developmental disabilities. Senator Bill Larkin, who sponsored the Senate bill, said, This simple, cost effective screening will allow doctors to detect potentially fatal heart defects in newborns and take the necessary steps to ensure they receive proper treatment before problems occur. I commend the Governor for signing this legislation into law and for protecting infants across New York State.