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(KSL News) There's a growing crisis in the United States. Premature births have now reached epidemic proportions, according to the March of Dimes. The organization says there are 500-thousand premature births each year.
In fact, prematurity is the number one killer of newborns. Those who do survive may face lifelong disabilities such as cerebral palsy, mental retardation, and chronic lung disease.
Jennifer L. Howse, PhD. President March of Dimes: "There's a real urgency to raise public awareness about the problem of prematurity. It's common. It's costly. It's serious."
Today is Prematurity Awareness Day and kicks off a new educational campaign called "I Want My 9 Months," which alerts women on what to do before pregnancy to help prevent prematurity, including 9 questions to ask their doctors.
For those questions, check the link above.
Plus, to mark today, national landmarks across the country including Niagara Falls and the Hoover Dam will be lit in pink and blue.
