Sen. McLachlan, Sherman Resident Push for Infant Heart Screening

State Sen. Michael McLachlan testifies before a legislative panel in favor of a bill which would require screening for heart defects to be conducted on newborns in Connecticut. Seated at back right is Sherman resident Marie Hatcher and her son Matthew, who was born with a congenital heart defect. McLachlan represents Sherman, New Fairfield, Danbury and Bethel.

On March 7, State Sen. Michael McLachlan (R-Danbury) testified before the legislature’s Public Health Committee in favor of a bill which would require screening for heart defects to be conducted on newborns in Connecticut.

Sen. McLachlan’s constituent, Marie Hatcher of Sherman, also attended the hearing in Hartford and testified on behalf of the bill. Hatcher’s son Matthew was born with a congenital heart defect. She’s started a nonprofit group — Matthew’s Heart of Hope Inc., whose website is at www.matthewsheartsofhope.org — to raise money and awareness.

“There is no better advocate to have by my side on this issue than Marie Hatcher,” Sen. McLachlan said. “Many legislators are unaware that this simple, non-invasive, and cost-effective screening is not required. It is my hope that we can convince legislators that learning about congenital heart defects and screening for those defects can and will save lives. We will note that early detection leads to early intervention to correct the defect so children can lead a normal life.”

McLachlan said the method of screening, which is called Pulse Oximetry Screening, is a way to check for serious congenital heart defects before the newborn leaves the hospital. This test evaluates oxygenation levels in the newborn’s blood through an external sensing device. A pulse oximetry reading below a specified level signals the need for more testing to determine whether a congenital heart defect is the cause.

Every year, 35,000 babies are diagnosed with a congenital heart defect. While the defect takes many forms, the common denominator is diminished oxygenation of the infant’s vital organs.

Sen. McLachlan noted that The American College of Cardiology, the American Heart Foundation, and the American Academy of Pediatrics endorse Pulse Oximetry Screening of newborns.

Sen. McLachlan will now monitor the bill as it moves forward in the legislative process.