Bluefield Daily Telegraph editorial: NAS babies: Necessary measure is now law

The Protecting Our Infants Act, a necessary measure that will improve care for babies who are exposed to drugs during pregnancy, has been signed into law by President Barack Obama.

The bill, which was championed by U.S. Rep. Evan Jenkins, R-.W.Va., will build on best practices from doctors and nurses in West Virginia and across the country in treating babies with neonatal abstinence syndrome. Jenkins was a cosponsor of the House version of the bill, which was introduced in response to the growing tragedy of newborns who are suffering from withdrawal from the drugs their mothers consumed during pregnancy.

Several years ago when he was still a state lawmaker, Jenkins was involved in the three-year process to build Lilly’s Place in Huntington, one of the first stand-alone residential pediatric recovery centers in the country.

“Since coming to Congress, I have made it my mission to fight for babies impacted by the drug epidemic,” Jenkins said. “Going through withdrawal from heroin and other opioids is a horrific way to start one’s life, but that’s the reality for far too many newborns in West Virginia. The Protecting Our Infants Act becoming law means we will improve treatment for NAS babies and increase our understanding of opioid exposure during pregnancy.”

The new law will improve care for mothers and babies alike, as correctly noted by Rebecca Crowder, executive director of Lily’s Place.

“The number of babies born with prenatal exposure to drugs is growing at a rapid rate across the nation,” Crowder said. “The Protecting Our Infants Act will create positive outcomes for the mother and child, focusing on prevention as well as the treatment of babies already born affected. West Virginia is making great strides in treatment, care for babies born prenatally exposed to drugs, and much-needed services for families. Congressman Jenkins has led the charge in making all of this possible in West Virginia, and now we have the opportunity to become a model for other states.”

We, too, applaud Jenkins for championing this all- important measure. And it is our hope that the new law can make a meaningful difference in West Virginia where an alarming number of infants are being born drug addicted.

The passage of this measure is a rare example of Congress and President Barack Obama putting politics aside and working together for the greater cause. This is a positive move, as there is no room for politics — and political bickering — when it comes to fighting the deadly scourge of drug abuse.