In Brief: Birth Defects Prevention Act of 1997
This article was originally published in The Tan Sheet
Executive Summary
Birth Defects Prevention Act of 1997: Substitute bill S 419 passes Senate by voice vote June 12 and is referred to the House Commerce Committee. The bill would "provide surveillance, research and services aimed at prevention of birth defects," including "public awareness strategies, such as programs using folic acid vitamin supplements to prevent spina bifida." S 419 calls for the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention to collect and analyze data on birth defects, operate regional research centers and provide public education. The bill allocates $30 mil. for fiscal 1998, $40 mil. for FY 1999 and "such sums as may be necessary" for FYs 2000 and 2001. A House bill identical to the original S 419, which gives CDC less discretion, also is before House Commerce...