Kentuckiana Times

Congresswoman Erin Houchin and Congressman Morgan McGarvey have introduced a resolution in support of the NICU Baby’s Bill of Rights. This initiative seeks to address the needs of families with babies in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) by promoting family-centered care, informed parental consent, and enhanced resources.

In the United States, over 380,000 babies are born prematurely each year. Many full-term infants with serious health issues also require NICU care. These circumstances present emotional, financial, and medical challenges for families. The proposed bill aims to enhance parent involvement, provide mental health support, and improve access to information regarding their child's care and nutrition.

"Families with babies in the NICU are navigating some of the hardest days of their lives," stated Rep. Erin Houchin (IN-09). "NICU parents should be informed and included in every decision about their child’s treatment plan. 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."

Rep. Morgan McGarvey shared his personal experience: "My twins spent 99 days in the NICU – 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." He added, "As a NICU parent, I know how important knowledge is when advocating for your family’s care."

The resolution outlines several key provisions:

- It promotes family-centered care by urging hospitals to establish policies that prioritize parental presence, integration, and collaboration.

- It strengthens informed consent by encouraging hospitals to provide clear information about treatment plans, infant nutrition options, and potential risks.

- It supports mental health for families by emphasizing peer support programs, counseling services, and mental health resources.

- It improves discharge planning by ensuring personalized guidance for transitioning from NICU to home.

The NICU Baby’s Bill of Rights has garnered support from leading child health organizations dedicated to improving outcomes for premature infants and those facing severe medical conditions.