News Release

Washington, D.C. — This week, Congressman Yakym, IN-02, introduced H.R. 5458, 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 example of the Newton Family is inspiring, and they have helped shine a light on a pressing need in our nation: ensuring families have greater awareness of lifesaving medical technologies that can prevent infant deaths, said Congressman Yakym. “I am proud to introduce this legislative solution that honors and upholds my dear late friend Jackie Walorski’s legacy of being a fighter for children and, God-willing, will save lives.”

“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,” said Janessa and Robert Newton. “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.”

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, or SIDS, is the leading cause of death among babies between 1 month and 1 year of age.
• “BO’s Act” requires the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute 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.
• Rep. Yakym’s legislation requires this study to be funded through the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Trust Fund.