Congressman Yakym reintroduces legislation to bring awareness to lifesaving medical devices

Friday, Congressman Rudy Yakym (IN-02) reintroduced the “Baby Observation Act” or “BO’s Act.”  This legislation is aimed at increasing awareness of and paving the way for expanded access to medical devices that can help save infant lives.

“The Newton Family's inspiring efforts have brought crucial attention to a vital issue in our nation: increasing awareness of lifesaving medical technologies that can prevent infant deaths,” Rep. Yakym said. “This legislation was a cause close to my dear late friend Jackie Walorski's heart, and I’m dedicated to seeing it through—not only to honor her legacy but, most importantly, to god-willing protect and save the lives of children.”

“Seeing Bo’s Act, the last project we were working with Jackie on come to fruition with Rudy’s help, is a dream come true,” Janessa and Robert Newton said. “Knowing we have the possibility to change the lives of families with medically fragile children and infants, and lessen their burden even just a little bit, does our hearts good. Without the Owlet sock, the device we used with our son Bo, which kick started this whole thing, we do not know where we would be with him today. We believe it is the perfect way to honor Jackie Walorski’s amazing legacy with how much she loved and fought for all children.”

The full text of the bill can be found here.

Background:

“BO’s Act” is named after Lakeville, Indiana native Bo Newton, who benefited greatly from this technology.

About 3,400 sudden infant deaths occur each year in the United States.

Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) is the leading cause of death among babies between 1 month and 1 year of age.

“BO’s Act” requires the Secretary of HHS to study the use of home cardiorespiratory monitors (medical devices that track the respiratory effort and heart rate of a sleeping infant) to reduce and prevent sleep-related sudden infant death syndrome or sudden unexpected infant death.