In a united effort to address a pressing public health issue, Senator Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) and Representative Ashley Hinson (R-Iowa) have introduced a bipartisan resolution, with support from across the aisle, designating September 19th as National Stillbirth Prevention Day. The resolution is not only acknowledgement of the ongoing tragedy of stillbirths but also a crucial step towards reducing their prevalence in the United States.
A Sobering Reality
Stillbirths, the loss of a baby before birth, remain a heartbreaking and prevalent issue in the United States. An alarming 23,000 babies are stillborn each year. While there have been advancements in maternity care since the 1940s, leading to a decline in stillbirth rates, recent years have seen a troubling slowdown in progress. These statistics not only represent a devastating loss to families but also pose significant risks to maternal health and well-being.
Global Perspective
A report from the World Health Organization (WHO) paints a stark picture of the United States' standing in stillbirth prevention. Among 195 countries, the U.S. ranks a distressing 183rd. This is an urgent call to action for a nation that prides itself on its healthcare system and commitment to maternal and child health.
Bipartisan Unity
Senators Chuck Grassley and Jeff Merkley, along with Representatives Ashley Hinson, Alma Adams, and Cory Booker, have come together across party lines to address this critical issue. Their resolution calls upon the Biden administration to make significant strides in reducing the stillbirth rate, aiming for a 33 percent decrease.
Raising Awareness and Allocating Resources
The resolution emphasizes the need for the Biden administration to leverage federal resources to address stillbirth prevention comprehensively. This includes improving data collection, supporting evidence-based prevention efforts, and advancing our understanding of the causes behind stillbirths
Grassley's Commitment to Change
To underscore the urgency of this issue, Senator Grassley recently met with advocates from Happy Birth Day, Inc. This engagement reflects a genuine commitment to fostering change and providing families with the support they desperately need.
Designating September 19 as National Stillbirth Prevention Day is not merely symbolic; it's a call for comprehensive change. It's an acknowledgement of the pain that stillbirths inflict on families and a commitment to prevent these tragedies in the future, regardless of income level or geographic location.
National Stillbirth Prevention Day is more than just a date on the calendar. It's a symbol of hope, unity, and determination to tackle an issue that affects thousands of families annually. With bipartisan support, this resolution sends a powerful message: the time for change is now, and together, we can reduce the stillbirth rate and provide expecting mothers with the care and support they deserve.
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