89R2206 BK-D
By: Harris Davila H.C.R. No. 56
CONCURRENT RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, Necrotizing enterocolitis, or NEC, is the most
common cause of death in hospitalized premature infants after two
weeks of age; and
WHEREAS, This life-threatening disease occurs when bacteria
attack the lining of the intestines, causing cellular destruction
in the small and large intestines; it almost exclusively affects
newborns, particularly those born prematurely, and mortality rates
range from 10 to 50 percent in most cases; and
WHEREAS, Diagnosing NEC is challenging, as symptoms are vague
and often attributable to other causes; severe cases may require
surgical intervention, and many of those who survive the disease
experience lifelong neurological and nutritional complications;
and
WHEREAS, The feeding of breast milk is one of the most
effective ways of preventing NEC in vulnerable infants, and when
the mother's milk is unavailable, pasteurized donor human milk is
the safest option for infants at risk of the disease; donated breast
milk has been critical to reducing the mortality rate, and
organizations such as the Mothers' Milk Bank of North Texas and the
Mothers' Milk Bank at Austin are helping to ensure that babies have
access to the health benefits that breast milk provides; and
WHEREAS, Necrotizing enterocolitis poses a serious risk to
infants in their earliest weeks and months of life, and the
observance of Necrotizing Enterocolitis and Breastfeeding
Awareness Month serves as a means of educating the public about this
devastating illness and the importance of breastfeeding as a
preventative measure; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the 89th Legislature of the State of Texas
hereby designate May as Necrotizing Enterocolitis and
Breastfeeding Awareness Month; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That, in accordance with the provisions of
Section 391.004(d), Government Code, this designation remain in
effect until the 10th anniversary of the date this resolution is
finally passed by the legislature.