NICU Parent Network Applauds Introduction of Congressional Resolution Supporting 'NICU Baby's Bill of Rights'

Resolution Introduced by Representatives Erin Houchin and Morgan McGarvey Promotes Family-Centered NICU Care and Parental Informed Consent

GEORGETOWN, Ind., March 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- NICU Parent Network, the premier U.S.-based organization representing the needs and best interests of NICU families, applauds Representatives Erin Houchin (R IN-09) and Morgan McGarvey (D KY-3) for introducing the NICU Baby's Bill of Rights (H. Res 236), a resolution that calls for integrating parents into daily care and decision-making in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU).

Each year in the U.S., more than 380,000 babies are born prematurely. Additionally, thousands of full-term infants with medical complexities require NICU admission annually. Having a premature or medically complex newborn can feel overwhelming. The NICU Baby's Bill of Rights recognizes that supporting NICU families improves outcomes for their babies.

"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," said Rep. McGarvey. "I'm proud to introduce the NICU Baby's Bill of Rights Act with Rep. Houchin to support parents and families as they navigate through one of the most difficult moments of their lives. As a NICU parent, I know how important knowledge is when advocating for your family's care."

Parents are their NICU baby's best advocate. It's important for hospitals to establish clear policies supporting parental presence, integration, and collaboration as part of family-centered care.

"Families with babies in the NICU are navigating some of the hardest days of their lives," said Rep. Erin Houchin. "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."

The resolution encourages hospitals to implement an informed consent model for important care decisions, such as treatment plans and infant nutrition, known to play a critical role in the health and growth of NICU babies, ensuring families are fully informed of the risks and benefits of all care options available.

"As a NICU parent, I often felt like a visitor in my triplets' story. I couldn't hold them for weeks, couldn't bring them home and had little say in decisions about their care. But parents are not extras, we are the lead," noted Keira Sorrells, Founder & Executive Director, NICU Parent Network. "We belong at the center of our baby's care team. NICU families aren't meant to simply survive, we are meant to rise, to heal, and to thrive. I thank Representatives Houchin and McGarvey for their leadership on this issue, and for their efforts to fight for NICU babies and their families – improving outcomes for all."

About NICU Parent Network

NICU Parent Network (NPN) is a network of organizations offering support to families of NICU infants. NPN is the only professional association for NICU Parent Leaders in the United States. NPN provides a platform for NICU Parent Leaders to come together as a collective voice representing the needs and best interests of NICU families in all facets of healthcare policy, care guidelines, advocacy, education, and family support.

Media Contact:
Keira Sorrells
[email protected]
601-573-0601

Reference:

1. "Preterm Birth." Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, www.cdc.gov/maternal-infant-health/preterm-birth/index.html. Accessed 18 Mar. 2025.

SOURCE NICU Parent Network