Devine backs premature birth inquiry

Published on Tuesday 15 April 2008 10:35

LIVINGSTON Labour MP Jim Devine has given his backing to a campaign for urgent government action to tackle premature birth.

Charity Action Medical Research says 25 babies die each week in the UK due to complications arising from premature birth, yet little is known about why early labour happens or how to prevent it.

Mr Devine pledged his support for the charity's Stand up for Tiny Lives campaign, which is pressing for an inquiry on the issue.

He said: "It is a repeated tragedy that premature babies are born at such risk. Relatively little is understood about why pregnancies don't reach full term and I urge constituents to join the campaign for an inquiry."

The charity believes an inquiry could lead to the development of the first national research strategy for tackling premature birth.

The campaign is being backed by scientists and medical researchers, the National Childbirth Trust and professional bodies, including the Neonatal Nurse Association.