Required newborn screenings saving lives

NEW YORK (WABC) -- Parents will be happy to hear that a required newborn screening is saving the lives of little ones.

A new study shows that critical congenital heart disease screenings have reduced infant deaths due to the condition by 33 percent.

The screening process, which is now offered in 47 states, involves checking the amount of oxygen in a baby's blood.

Before, the screenings were only mandatory in eight states including: New York, New Jersey and Connecticut.

CCHD was the cause of six percent of infant deaths. However, the hope is that number will continue to decrease due to the screenings.