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Article updated: 11/26/2012 5:18 PM

Hospitals, others work to reduce premature births

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Hospital officials lead a tour of the neonatal intensive care unit at Rush-Copley Medical Center in Aurora where they met to review recommendations to decrease the state's 12 percent prematurity rate.

Scott Sanders | Staff Photographer

Aimee Sprik of Aurora chokes up as she relates the ordeal she and her husband Brian experienced when their son Connor was born prematurely, weighing 2 pounds 6 ounces.

Scott Sanders | Staff Photographer

Prematurely born Connor Sprik of Aurora, now almost 4, is introduced by his father Brian to Rush-Copley Medical Center staff and state Rep. Darlene Senger of Naperville.

Scott Sanders | Staff Photographer

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Joel Brens of Aurora shows the tiny pajamas his son Jayden wore when he was born prematurely.

Scott Sanders | Staff Photographer

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With one in eight Illinois babies born too soon, hospitals such as Rush-Copley in Aurora and advocacy groups are working to reduce pre-term births. They want to make it easier to track data about prematurity, educate the public about risk factors and provide the best treatment. "We know prematurity is a great burden, first and foremost, to the family members," one advocate said.

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