Today, Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher (TX-07), Congresswoman Robin Kelly (IL-02), Congresswoman Mariannette Miller-Meeks (IA-01), Congressman Buddy Carter (GA-01), Congresswoman Shontel Brown (OH-11), and Congresswoman Jen Kiggans (VA-02) introduced the bipartisan Prematurity Research Expansion and Education for Mothers who deliver Infants Early (PREEMIE) Reauthorization Act of 2025 to improve pregnancy outcomes and infant health by continuing research and education programs aimed at preventing preterm birth.

“Every parent deserves the peace of mind that comes with knowing their child has the greatest possible start in life,” said Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher.  “By strengthening research, expanding education programs, and improving access to care, the PREEMIE Act gives infants a better chance at a healthy start.  I am glad to join Congresswoman Kelly, Congresswoman Brown, Congresswoman Kiggans, and Congressman Carter in introducing this legislation to help reduce preterm births and to improve health outcomes for families in Texas’ Seventh Congressional District and across the country.”

“I am proud to once again lead the effort to reauthorize the PREEMIE Act and help babies live happy, healthy lives. Adding a new member to the family should be an exciting time, but one out of 10 families experience uncertainty, fear and anxiety instead,” said Congresswoman Robin Kelly.  “Health agencies should be supported and funded to research best preventative practices, with a special focus on Black and Indigenous mothers. This bipartisan legislation proves our conviction and political will to prevent preterm births, and I am determined to see it through.”

“Babie born prematurely already have a steep hill to climb. The ‘Prematurity Research Expansion and Education for Mothers who deliver Infants Early (PREEMIE) Reauthorization Act,’ ensures that preterm babies have a better opportunity at a healthy start,” said Dr. Miller-Meeks.  “I’m proud this effort to support research and educational programs to uncover the cause and impact of preterm births has strong bipartisan support.”

“Every single baby deserves a healthy start and a fair chance at life,” said Congressman Budy Carter.  “Unfortunately, babies born prematurely are at a disadvantage, and the infant mortality crisis heavily impacts my home state of Georgia. That’s why I am proud to support the PREEMIE Reauthorization Act, which will bring necessary resources to preterm babies and save lives.”

"Too many mothers and families in Cleveland know the fear and heartbreak of a premature birth,” said Congresswoman Shontel Brown.  “It remains one of the leading causes of infant mortality in the U.S., disproportionately impacting underserved communities.  I am proud to support the PREEMIE Act because it advances research and interventions that ensure all babies—no matter their background—have a strong and healthy start in life.”

“Having a baby be delivered prematurely is a stressful time for many parents across the Commonwealth and the country,” said Congresswoman Jen Kiggans.  “We must do everything in our power to support the health of these babies and improve pregnancy outcomes for mothers.  I am honored to join my colleagues in introducing the PREEMIE Reauthorization Act of 2025, which would support expecting Moms, prevent premature births, and ensure all babies have the support they need from the second they’re born.”

If enacted, the PREEMIE Act would:

• Reauthorize critical federal research, education, and intervention activities to help reduce preterm birth and infant mortality.
• Reauthorize the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) research and data collection on infants born premature and programs at the Health Resources and Services Administration aimed at improving the treatment and outcome of infants born premature. This includes grants to help doctors and the public understand the potential risk factors for having a preterm baby, such as smoking, and grants to screen and treat pregnant women for depression and substance use disorders. 
• Authorize a study to better understand the factors that lead to preterm birth and identify effective prevention and treatment options. 

The PREEMIE Act was first signed into law in 2006 to help reduce infant mortality.  The programs included in this bill expired on September 30, 2023.  The PREEMIE Reauthorization Act of 2025 would renew and improve these programs.

To view the bull text of the bill, click here.