Nearly one in three infants who die from birth defects has a heart defect. Hospitals and birthing centers in Iowa can screen newborns for critical congenital heart defects (CCHD) - but not all do. We must ensure every Iowa baby receives CCHD screening so they can get life-saving treatment as soon as possible.

 The American Heart Association supports screening newborns for CCHD with pulse oximetry which is: 

·         noninvasive, inexpensive and saves lives; 

·         performed by placing sensors on a baby's hand and foot to check for low blood oxygen levels that could indicate a potential congenital heart defect;

·         and could help identify more than 90% of heart defects…a delay in diagnosis could lead to additional health issues and even death.

Sign this petition to ensure Iowa babies are given a Pulse Oximetry screening before they leave the hospital and help give our little ones a heart healthy start in life.