Rep. Dan Newhouse (R-WA) has introduced new legislation aimed at addressing the impact of opioid exposure on newborns. The Maddie’s Infant Recovery and Children’s Legislative Emergency (MIRACLE) Act, co-sponsored by Rep. Michael Baumgartner (R-WA) and Rep. Kim Schrier (D-WA), focuses on studying Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS).
“As the opioid and drug epidemics spread through communities in Central Washington, and across the country, there is very little being done to address its impacts on the next generation,” said Rep. Newhouse. “NAS is a critical condition that puts newborns in a situation they had no control over, with serious, lasting implications threatening their health early on. This legislation directs federal resources to expand our understanding of NAS, close gaps in research and data on how it affects babies, and ensure we are equipped to treat this condition through our federal healthcare system.”
Rep. Baumgartner highlighted the local impact: “As a father and a member of the Spokane community, I have seen the courage and hope that Maddie’s Place brings to families facing the unimaginable challenge of neonatal abstinence syndrome. Every child in Eastern Washington deserves a healthy start, yet too many newborns—through no fault of their own—begin life in pain because of the opioid crisis. The MIRACLE Act stands for compassion and common sense. It gives us essential data to better care for newborns in need, helps states like ours offer proven recovery nursery solutions, and empowers caregivers at Maddie’s Place and across America who provide grace and healing every day. I’m proud to champion real progress for families in Eastern Washington and help every child begin life with hope.”
Rep. Schrier noted her experience as a pediatrician: “As a pediatrician, I’ve seen the discomfort of newborns withdrawing from narcotic exposure, and as the incidence of NAS rises, we need more research into long term impacts. Children’s well-being has always been one of my top priorities. I’m proud to work with my Washington delegation colleague, Congressman Newhouse, to introduce this legislation that will further our understanding of Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome and potential treatment options for impacted newborns.”
The bill directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to conduct a national study on NAS prevalence, health outcomes, service gaps, barriers to accurate state-level data collection, and care models at Pediatric Transitional Care Facilities (PTCFs). These facilities provide comprehensive care for infants with NAS at lower Medicaid costs compared to traditional neonatal intensive care units.
The act aims to give Congress and all states evidence-based information needed for policy decisions regarding NAS.
Maddie’s Place—a nonprofit recovery nursery in Spokane supporting infants experiencing withdrawal due to prenatal substance exposure—has expressed support for the bill.
Shaun Cross, President of Maddie’s Place said: “Within our national drug crisis is a much more sinister, silent crisis: the tens of thousands of substance exposed infants born each year in our communities. The MIRACLE Act will give these infants and their struggling parents a voice by seeking the data we don’t have and raising awareness about the success stories coming out of a handful of clinics like Maddie’s Place.”
Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome affects babies exposed to opioids or addictive substances during pregnancy; symptoms include withdrawal shortly after birth which may last several months with possible long-term effects as children grow.
Cases of NAS have risen sharply over the past decade alongside an increase in opiate use among pregnant women—including prescription drugs as well as substances such as fentanyl.
Dan Newhouse has served as U.S. Representative for Washington’s 4th District since 2015 after succeeding Doc Hastings; he previously served in the state legislature from 2003-2009.
He was born in Sunnyside, Washington in 1955 where he continues to reside today.
