In Capitol Ceremony, Gov. Malloy Signs Bill Requiring Newborn Screening for Heart Defects

State Rep. Rich Smith (far right), State Sen. Michael McLachlan (standing at center, wearing tie) and their constituent Marie Hatcher (standing at right, in red dress) look on as Gov. Dannel P. Malloy signs into law a bill requiring screening for heart defects to be conducted on newborns. Mclachlan and Smith co-sponsored the bill and Hatcher testified before the legislature in favor of the legislation. Hatcher’s son Matthew is sitting on Malloy’s lap.

In a July 20 ceremony in his State Capitol office, Gov. Dannel P. Malloy signed into law a bill requiring screening for heart defects to be conducted on newborns.

“This law is a tribute to the hard work and advocacy of Marie Hatcher of Sherman,” Sen. Michael McLachlan said. “Marie’s son, Matthew, was born with a congenital heart defect, and Marie has become a strong and effective champion for this simple, non-invasive, and cost-effective screening. It was an uplifting ceremony, and we thank Gov. Malloy for signing our bill into law.”

Gov. Dannel P. Malloy (right) greets Sen. Michael McLachlan (left) prior to the July 20 bill signing ceremony requiring screening for heart defects to be conducted on newborns.

“Learning about congenital heart defects and screening for those defects can and will save lives,” Rep. Rich Smith said. “Early detection leads to early intervention to correct the defect so children can lead a normal life. We thank Marie Hatcher for her advocacy and we were so glad the Hatcher family was present at the ceremony.”