H.R.2040 - Nationally Enhancing the Well-being of Babies through Outreach and Research Now Act; NEWBORN Act (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R.2040, also known as the NEWBORN Act, aims to reduce infant mortality rates by authorizing funding for pilot programs in areas with high infant mortality. The bill amends Section 330H of the Public Health Service Act to establish these programs. It prioritizes funding for entities serving counties with the highest infant mortality rates and those addressing specific issues like birth defects and preterm birth.
Expected Effects
The bill would likely lead to the creation and implementation of targeted interventions to address infant mortality. These interventions could include improved access to healthcare, enhanced outreach to at-risk mothers, and public education campaigns. The Act also mandates reporting and evaluation of the pilot programs to assess their effectiveness.
Potential Benefits
- Improved infant health outcomes in high-risk areas.
- Enhanced access to prenatal and postnatal care for at-risk mothers.
- Increased public awareness regarding infant mortality and preventative measures.
- Development of standardized systems for social, educational, and clinical services.
- Potential for replication of successful pilot programs nationwide.
Potential Disadvantages
- Limited funding ($10 million per year) may restrict the scope and impact of the pilot programs.
- Program evaluation may divert resources from direct service provision.
- Focus on specific geographic areas may neglect other regions with infant mortality concerns.
- Potential for bureaucratic inefficiencies in grant administration and program oversight.
- The 10% limit on program evaluation may be insufficient for thorough analysis.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill aligns with the Constitution's general welfare clause, which allows Congress to enact laws that promote the health and well-being of the population. Specifically, the bill falls under Congress's power to regulate interstate commerce by addressing public health issues that can have broader economic and social impacts. There are no apparent conflicts with individual rights or freedoms guaranteed by the Constitution or its amendments.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).