This resolution expresses House support for designating May 17, 2026, as "Necrotizing Enterocolitis Awareness Day" to raise awareness about a serious medical condition affecting hospitalized premature infants. Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is the leading cause of death in hospitalized premature infants over two weeks old and affects thousands of babies annually, with hundreds dying from the condition. The disease causes severe intestinal inflammation that can be fatal within hours or days of diagnosis, and survivors often face lifelong neurological and nutritional problems, costing the health care system approximately five billion dollars per year. The resolution emphasizes the importance of preventative measures, particularly breast milk and pasteurized donor milk, while also noting that racial disparities exist, with Black infants disproportionately affected compared to White infants. This is a symbolic measure with no funding or implementation requirements; it simply calls for recognition of the condition and support for an awareness day to help educate Americans about this devastating neonatal disease.
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