Babies born with Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome, or NAS, suffer more at the beginning of their lives than many people do in an entire lifetime, according to state officials. NAS is caused by exposure to drugs in the womb.
Congressman Evan Jenkins, R-W.Va., is especially passionate about helping these NAS babies because he once held one. It changed his life, he said.
“Five years ago, two nurses invited me to see and understand the ravages of a newborn who was drug-exposed,” he told The Register-Herald in December. “They are born and they have to essentially detox.
“NAS babies are rigid. They cry incessantly. They’re inconsolable. They have the potential for seizures and serious intestinal issues. They sweat constantly. They pretty much have all the symptoms of an adult who is going through withdrawal.”
Withdrawal is tough on adults, so it can only be pure suffering for someone who is 2 days old, Jenkins said.
“These are the most victimized victims in all of the drug crisis,” he said. “Their suffering is simply unacceptable to me.”
Since that interview with Jenkins, two U.S. senators have brought forth legislation that would improve the care that NAS babies receive. The legislation will be known as “The Cradle Act.”
“The increasing number of babies with neonatal abstinence syndrome are the smallest and most vulnerable victims of the drug epidemic,” Sen. Shelley Moore Capito, R-W.Va., said in a press release. “Helping those born addicted through no fault of their own is a critical part of my efforts to help families across America.
“By improving access to specialized care and creating a supportive environment for treatment, ‘The Cradle Act’ can make a difference in the lives of babies and mothers battling addiction.”
An independent senator from Maine said he was happy to team up with Capito on this legislation.
“When a baby is born with neonatal abstinence syndrome, the focus should be on ensuring that the child receives the highest-quality, most effective care available,” Sen. Angus King said in a press release. “But too often, federal regulations stand in the way of cutting edge treatment.
“By allowing CMS to cover a wider variety of care, our legislation will help ensure that babies experiencing withdrawals will have access to a greater range of treatment options that will more effectively put them on track to a happier, healthier life.”
“The Cradle Act” would create new guidelines for pediatric recovery centers that treat NAS babies.
“I want to thank Senators Capito and King for their leadership in the Senate on this issue,” Evan Jenkins said in a press release. “By working together and across the aisle, we can fight the drug crisis and ensure healthy lives for children across the country.”