The editorial, "An end-of-session agenda," June 2, left a big bill for small hearts off the list that our legislators should finish before they recess for the year: Pass the pulse oximetry bill.
A "pulse ox" test is a simple, noninvasive test that only requires that a sensor be placed on a baby's finger and toe at birth to measure the level of oxygen in a baby's blood.
The pulse ox bill backed by the American Heart Association would make sure every newborn has this test before leaving the hospital. A low oxygen level could be an indicator of a congenital heart defect, the most common kind of birth defect.
It is heart-wrenching to see your newborn baby connected to tubes and wires post surgery, but it would be far worse to lose a child or have them suffer permanent limitations because a simple test had not been performed at birth.
The state Assembly has already passed the pulse ox bill.
I hope and pray the Senate and Gov. Andrew Cuomo act quickly to save the smallest lives. Every day without this measure in place could mean another little life lost.
Jennifer Corcoran Conway
Delmar