Every year millions of babies are born premature. That number is 13 million according the to the March of Dimes. Premature births mean more care for both infants, who are more likely to die before they have a chance to live.
While this cause seems unlikely for college students, all of us likely know someone who was born premature.
In the U.S., 1 out of every 8 births is premature, meaning that is it 12.5 percent of births. Those odds are fairly high, as the average person is more likely to have been born prematurely than to have autism, which happens in 1 out of every 110 births according to Autism Speaks, and slightly less likely than to have blue eyes, a trait 1 of every 6 Americans has according to a recent New York Times article.
Premature infants are defined as being born before the 37th week of a pregnancy according to the Center for Disease Control. With today’s medical technology it is possible for those born to survive, but there is still a risk.
I know a few people who were born premature. One of my oldest friends was born in June when she was supposed to be born in August. In my own family, one of my cousins had not one, but two of her three children born prematurely. Both of her children spent additional weeks in the hospital to ensure their survival.
November is Prematurity Awareness Month. November 17 is World Prematurity Day, complete with an upcoming Facebook event. One of the simplest ways to show support is to wear purple that day.
Will you support this cause? What causes are important to you?