TINY BABY UNIT NORTON CHILDRENS (4).jpeg

The Tiny Baby Unit at Norton Children's Hospital opened on April 1, 2024, in downtown Louisville. (WDRB photo)

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- Lawmakers in Kentucky and Indiana are pushing for legislation that gives parents of premature babies more control over their care. 

Each year, more than 380,000 babies are born early in the U.S., and many full-term babies with serious health issues also need care in neonatal intensive care units. 

On Monday, Indiana Congresswoman Erin Houchin, R-09, and Kentucky Congressman Morgan McGarvey, KY-03, introduced a resolution backing a "Bill of Rights" for families of premature infants in NICU. 

The bill highlights the need for family-centered care, informed parental consent and improved access to mental health support and treatments for NICU families.

McGarvey said in a written statement he knows firsthand the challenges parents can face after his twins spent more than three months under NICU care. 

"My twins spent 99 days in the NICU," McGarvey said. "My wife and I fought tooth and nail with our insurance company to ensure they got the care they needed. I'm proud to introduce the NICU Baby Bill of Rights with Rep. Houchin to support parents and families as they navigate through one of the most difficult moments of their lives."

Houchin agreed. 

"NICU parents should be informed and included in every decision about their child's treatment plan," she said in a written statement. "We want parents to be supported and have a voice and presence in the NICU, including that critical first contact. We hope the NICU Baby’s Bill of Rights will help ensure every baby receives the best care and has a fighting chance at life."

According to a news release, the resolution: 

  • Calls on hospitals to establish policies that prioritize parental presence, integration, and collaboration in NICU care.
  • Strengthens Informed Consent: Encourages hospitals to provide families with clear, comprehensive information about treatment plans, infant nutrition options, and potential risks.
  • Supports Mental Health for Families: Emphasizes the importance of peer support programs, counseling services, and mental health resources for parents and caregivers.
  • Improves Discharge Planning: Ensures that families receive personalized guidance to prepare for their child’s transition from the NICU to home.

The NICU Baby’s Bill of Rights is supported by top child health and family advocacy groups committed to improving care for premature babies and those with serious medical needs.

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