In the US, there has been a dramatic increase in congenital syphilis, which has become a serious crisis. The article suggests policy measures to reverse this trend. It emphasizes the need for improved screening and testing of pregnant women for syphilis. It suggests better availability of penicillin treatment for infected mothers. It supports increased awareness and education of health professionals. These steps should lead from a crisis to active actions to protect newborns. Published in the New England Journal of Medicine, Ahead of Print.