Adams, Lawmakers Recognize National Stillbirth Prevention and Awareness Day
WASHINGTON, DC— Today, Representatives Alma S. Adams, Ph.D. (D-NC-12) and Ashley Hinson (R-IA-01), alongside Senators Cory Booker (D-NJ), Chuck Grassley (R-IA), and Jeff Merkley (D-OR), introduced a bipartisan, bicameral resolution recognizing September 19 as National Stillbirth Prevention and Awareness Day.
The resolution highlights the ongoing stillbirth crisis in America and the steps the United States can take to improve stillbirth prevention and awareness. In 2024, the bipartisan Maternal and Child Health Stillbirth Prevention Act—led by Reps. Adams and Hinson in the House and Sens. Merkley and Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) in the Senate—was signed into law, representing a critical first step in addressing the stillbirth crisis at the federal level.
“For too long, stillbirth has been a silent crisis that remains under-discussed, under-researched, and under-funded. Today’s resolution seeks to change that,” said Congresswoman Adams. “I’m proud to introduce the National Stillbirth Prevention and Awareness Day resolution so more families can be given the information and resources they need to prevent stillbirth in their pregnancies. Together, we can bring an end to this public health crisis and better protect the health of our mothers and their children.”
“Improving prenatal education and access to maternal care—especially in rural areas where women may travel over an hour to see a provider—is critical to protecting babies and reducing maternal deaths,” said Congresswoman Hinson. “Passing my Maternal and Child Health Stillbirth Act last year was a major step, but more must be done to support expecting moms and prevent stillbirths. I’m proud to reintroduce this resolution recognizing September 19th as National Stillbirth Prevention and Awareness Day and will continue working across the aisle to end the tragedy of stillbirth.”
“Nobody should have to experience the immense sorrow of losing a baby,” said Senator Booker. “We must address the maternal and infant health crisis that continues to result in thousands of families grappling with the unthinkable every year in the United States. This National Stillbirth Prevention Day, we are recommitting ourselves in Congress to raising awareness about stillbirth and ensuring every mom and baby has the care they need so we can save lives.”
“Each year, 21,000 babies are stillborn in the United States, bringing devastation to parents and families. We can and must do more to save babies’ lives and improve pre-natal care. Our resolution raises awareness of stillbirths and emphasizes how federal resources can empower the medical communities’ work on evidence-based practices to prevent these tragedies,” said Senator Grassley.
“A single stillbirth is one too many, and we must do more to reduce the alarming rate of stillbirth, which devastates families and happens at a higher rate to Black, Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander, American Indian, and Alaska Native women,” said Senator Merkley. “Getting my Maternal and Child Health Stillbirth Prevention Act signed into law was an important first step; and on this National Stillbirth Prevention and Awareness Day, we recommit to doing everything we can to end this dire public health crisis, so no family has to experience the trauma of stillbirth.”
Placenta, PUSH for Empowered Pregnancy, Reproductive and Placental Research Unit-Yale University, Jace’s Journey, Maternal Mental Health Leadership Alliance, Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Miles’ Mission, American College of Nurse-Midwives, Aaliyah in Action, Start Healing Together, Society for Reproductive Investigation, Mera’s Mission, American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, Gifts from Liam, March of Dimes, and Return to Zero: HOPE.
“For the fourth year in a row, we pause to recognize the crisis of stillbirth in this country and celebrate progress on stillbirth prevention efforts. When Congress recognizes this important day, when buildings and bridges are lit up across the country, and moms and dads make their voices heard by sharing their personal stories of loss — progress happens and lives are saved. We mourn the tens of thousands of babies who should be with their families right now and accelerate progress so no other family has to endure the tragedy of stillbirth,” said Emily Price, Healthy Birth Day, Inc. CEO.