Blog

Congenital CMV Awareness Month 2025: Stronger Together

Author: Megan Pesch, MD, MS

Each June, we unite as families, clinicians, researchers, advocates, and community leaders to shine a light on congenital cytomegalovirus (CMV)—the most common infectious cause of birth defects and developmental disabilities in the United States. This year, our theme is "Stronger Together," a powerful reminder that collaboration and connection are essential to advancing awareness, prevention, and support for those impacted by congenital CMV.

​SB 1887 Is Dead—for Now. But the Fight for mRNA Innovation and CCMV Prevention Continues

Author: National CMV Foundation Board of Directors A proposed Bill in the Texas Senate would have banned mRNA vaccines - including the CMV vaccine in development. While this dangerous bill has been stopped—for now—similar proposals may return in Texas or appear in other states. We must remain vigilant.

A Step Backward: HRSA’s Elimination of the ACHDNC Threatens Progress on Newborn Screening

Author: NCMVF Board of Directors The National CMV Foundation is deeply concerned by HRSA’s recent decision to dissolve the Advisory Committee on Heritable Disorders in Newborns and Children (ACHDNC)—a cornerstone of equitable, evidence-based newborn screening for over 20 years. Without this federal oversight, there's now no national process to evaluate and recommend new conditions—including congenital cytomegalovirus (CMV), the most common infectious cause of birth defects and developmental disabilities in the U.S.

Autism Acceptance and the Case for Newborn CMV Screening

Author: Megan Pesch, MD April is Autism Acceptance Month - At the National CMV Foundation, we advocate for universal newborn screening for CMV not just because of the potential for hearing loss or medical complications—but because early knowledge opens doors. It allows families and providers to work together to support each child’s journey, whatever that may look like.

Advocating for Newborn CMV Screening through Hospital-Based Initiatives

Author: Maggie Kettler, AuD CMV newborn screening has increased tremendously in the past decade, with many states implementing the screening through legislative efforts. However, CMV screening legislation is not a realistic avenue in all states. In this blog post, we hear from Maggie Kettler, AuD, who has helped to lead successful efforts to increase CMV newborn screening in her home state of Ohio. In this post she discusses successes, challenges, and advice she has for advocates in other states. 

How Doctors Can Support a Mom Whose Child is Diagnosed with Congenital CMV

Author: Lisa Saunders Lisa Saunders is the mother of Elizabeth, who was born severely impacted by congenital CMV in 1989 and died in 2006. Although Lisa was a licensed, in-home childcare provider, a church nursery volunteer and the mother of a toddler, she was unaware of CMV and her increased risk. Lisa helped pass CMV legislation in both Connecticut and New York, and was the recipient of the National CMV Foundation Spirit of Advocacy Award in 2023. In this blog post, Lisa discusses ways doctors can help support moms whose children are diagnosed with cCMV.

Volunteer Spotlight: Kathleen Smith

Meet Kathleen Smith! She was born with cCMV and is our CMV Community Alliance (CCA) Co-Chair for Minnesota.

National CMV Foundation 10-Year Anniversary

Our co-founders honor and reflect on the 10-year anniversary of the National CMV Foundation.

Volunteer Spotlight: Megan Becker

Meet Megan Becker, our CMV Community Alliance (CCA) Co-Chair for Virginia!

Volunteer Spotlight: Gavin Murray

Meet our CMV Community Alliance Chair for Utah, Gavin Murray.