Arkansas Sen. John Boozman puts name on bipartisan legislation to support preterm birth reduction
WASHINGTON – Arkansas Sen. John Boozman (R-AR) and Sen. Michael Bennett (D-CO) defended the legislation signed into law Tuesday to reduce premature births and infant mortality rates.
The “Prematurity Research Expansion and Education for Mothers Delivering Early Babies (PREEMIE) Reauthorization Act” extends funding through 2030.
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The PREEMIE Reauthorization Act allows the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Health Resources and Services Administration to continue conducting research and collecting data on preterm births as well as supporting programs that improve the care and outcomes of preterm babies, officials said. The law provides grants to help doctors and the public better understand risk factors for preterm birth, including smoking, and supports screening and treatment of pregnant women dealing with substance use disorders such as depression or opioid addiction.
Programs under PREEMIE have not been authorized again since 2023, officials said.
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There were 4,289 preterm births in Arkansas in 2024, representing 12.1% of live births. Public health officials argue that premature birth can lead to significant developmental delays and chronic health problems in babies.
“There are so many families across the country, including thousands of families in Arkansas, who are dealing with the complications of premature birth,” Boozman said. “It is vital to continue research and education initiatives that identify causes, contributing factors, and solutions. This vital work will help improve prenatal care, address preterm birth, and reduce infant mortality so more mothers and babies can thrive in my state and across America.”
“Reauthorizing important research efforts through the PREEMIE Act allows us to continue addressing preterm birth at a time when the United States is receiving D+.” 2025 March Dimes Report Card“March of Dimes is proud to work with Senators Bennet and Boozman and their bipartisan colleagues in the House to ensure passage of the PREEMIE Act, which has now been signed into law,” said Stacey Y. Brayboy, Senior Vice President of Public Policy and Government Affairs for March of Dimes.
University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences receives $40 million in congressional appropriations for program support
This legislation was signed into law as part of the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2026.
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