The White House corridors are where decisions that shape our nation are made. Those same corridors once resonated with a father's grief, a president's pain.

This week marks the anniversary of an event that transcends politics : the birth and loss of Patrick Bouvier Kennedy . The infant’s loss is a poignant reminder that even the first family of the United States is not immune to the impacts of preterm birth.

This heartbreaking event led to a surge in research and innovation for premature baby care. Just 13 years after Patrick Kennedy’s death, the advancements in care were so profound that my own daughter, who relied on specialized care after being born prematurely, could leave the hospital to lead a healthy life.

Having spent three decades as a practicing OB/GYN, I have witnessed firsthand the importance of safeguarding the health and well-being of our most fragile citizens — newborn infants. The urgency of addressing premature birth, an issue that reverberates through countless households, cannot be overstated. This is why I’m advocating the revival of essential federal research, education, and intervention initiatives through the Prematurity Research Expansion and Education for Mothers Who Deliver Infants Early Reauthorization Act of 2023. Through a concerted refocusing of our endeavors, we can work to attenuate preterm birth rates and confront infant mortality.

The statistics are alarming. The preterm birth rate in the U.S. has risen by 4% since 2020, with more than 383,000 infants born prematurely in 2021 alone. Furthermore, preterm birth disproportionately affects rural America, and underserved communities, exacerbating health disparities within our society. The PREEMIE Act would address these challenges head-on and provide a promising framework to improve pregnancy outcomes and infant health.

One of the key provisions of the PREEMIE Act is a study to understand the factors better that contribute to preterm birth. By conducting comprehensive research, we can gain invaluable insights into the causes of premature delivery and identify effective prevention and treatment options. This knowledge will enable healthcare professionals to develop targeted interventions and strategies that not only significantly reduce the likelihood of preterm birth but also address the challenges faced by premature infants, ultimately working to improve overall infant health outcomes.

Additionally, the legislation renews critical federal programs that provide vital support for doctors, help educate the public, and promote awareness of the risk factors associated with preterm birth. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention would be able to continue its research and data collection to help identify trends, risk factors, and possible interventions, while the Health Resources and Services Administration would also receive support to enhance the treatment and outcome of infants born prematurely.

Lawmakers from across the political spectrum have acknowledged the pressing need to tackle preterm birth, which is why this legislation is bipartisan. This understanding emphasizes that every infant, irrespective of their background, should have a strong foundation for a healthy life. Through collaborative efforts, we are vigorously advocating infant health and making substantial progress in diminishing preterm birth rates.

The PREEMIE Act is not only an investment in the health and well-being of our nation's children but also a step toward addressing health disparities within our society. Indeed, it is a crucial step toward addressing the long-term effects that premature birth imposes on newborns and their families. By preventing premature births, we can decrease the rate of infant mortality and provide children with greater opportunities to lead long and healthy lives. This will help us address the disparities that continue to burden our healthcare system.

Babies born prematurely should not face unnecessary disadvantages due to a lack of resources or understanding. By investing in research, education, and intervention programs, we can ensure that every baby, regardless of their circumstances, receives a healthy start in life.

Michael Burgess is a U.S. representative for Texas and serves on the House Energy and Commerce Committee, House Rules Committee, and the House Budget Committee.