Protecting Vulnerable Newborn and Infant Children

What it means

This order directs HHS to enforce existing laws protecting newborn infants, particularly premature or disabled babies, ensuring they receive necessary medical treatment. It requires hospitals receiving federal funding to provide appropriate screening and life-saving care to all infants born alive, regardless of prematurity or disability.

Expected impact

• Increased enforcement of existing laws protecting newborn infants' rights to medical treatment
• Prioritized funding for research to improve survival rates of premature and disabled infants
• Enhanced training for medical personnel on providing life-saving treatment to all newborns
• Potential investigations of hospitals that deny treatment to vulnerable newborns
• Clarified complaint process for parents and hospital staff to report violations