As a mother, it’s natural to feel pride in your child’s achievements, but my daughter achieved something extraordinary—she changed the law. Cora was not an ordinary child; she was a hero in her own right, saving lives—despite only living for a mere five days.
After a smooth pregnancy, I welcomed Cora into the world on November 30, 2009. We brought her home two days later, and I eagerly anticipated the joys of motherhood. One fateful morning, while attempting to breastfeed her, I glanced away for just a moment to speak with my husband. When I looked back, my heart sank. Cora was grey, her face covered in blood, and she was not breathing. A frantic 911 call led to a rushed trip to the hospital, but tragically, it was too late—Cora had passed away.
In the days that followed, I grappled with the devastating loss, seeking answers. The coroner revealed that Cora had a congenital heart defect, which had caused blood to back up in her lungs. I learned that a simple pulse oximetry screening, a non-invasive test that measures blood oxygen levels, might have detected her condition. This test is quick and inexpensive, resembling a small bandage for infants.
Pulse oximetry is often referred to as the fifth vital sign, comparable to measuring temperature or blood pressure. Shockingly, only about 50% of congenital heart defects are detected before birth. These defects can range from minor issues to critical conditions requiring immediate surgical intervention. Approximately 1 in 100 newborns are affected by congenital heart defects, as reported by the March of Dimes.
While not every congenital heart defect can be detected by pulse oximetry, Cora’s condition was one that could have been identified through proper screening, particularly if performed after the first 24 hours of life. This procedure not only aids in early detection but also helps educate parents about the signs and symptoms of congenital heart defects, such as cyanosis and difficulty feeding.
Motivated by my experience, I reached out to my state senator and collaborated to draft a bill mandating pulse oximetry screening for all newborns in Indiana. I am proud to share that this legislation was enacted, ensuring that starting January 2012, every newborn in Indiana would undergo this crucial screening.
While the thought of additional screenings may seem overwhelming to parents, this is a vital and straightforward procedure. Parents do have the option to decline screening, but thanks to Cora, every child in Indiana now has the opportunity to be tested for congenital heart defects.
Other states, including New Jersey and Maryland, have implemented similar laws, and many more are considering such measures. Parents across the nation are advocating to ensure that tragedies like Cora’s are prevented by engaging with lawmakers and raising awareness through various media platforms. No parent should ever receive the heartbreaking news of their child’s condition from a coroner.
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Summary
Cora’s brief life sparked a movement toward legislative change in Indiana, mandating pulse oximetry screening for newborns to detect congenital heart defects. This simple yet vital test can save lives, ensuring that no parent has to discover their child’s condition in such a devastating manner.