Supporting the designation of September 19, 2025, as "National Stillbirth Prevention and Awareness Day", recognizing tens of thousands of families in the United States that have endured a stillbirth, and seizing the opportunity to keep other families from experiencing the same tragedy.
- Bill Number
- H.Res. 739
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Health
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2025-09-18: Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
- Last Updated
- 2025-11-19T04:13:50Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
This House Resolution (H. Res. 739) aims to support designating September 19, 2025, as "National Stillbirth Prevention and Awareness Day." It recognizes the tens of thousands of U.S. families affected by stillbirth each year and promotes efforts to prevent future tragedies through awareness, education, research, and improved data collection.
Key Provisions
- Background on Stillbirth Crisis: Highlights that over 21,000 U.S. pregnancies end in stillbirth annually, exceeding combined child deaths under age 15 from leading causes like injuries, birth defects, preterm birth, homicide, and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). Notes racial disparities, with Black, American Indian/Alaska Native, Native Hawaiian/Other Pacific Islander, and Hispanic families facing higher risks, worsened by limited access to maternal health care.
- Impacts on Families: Emphasizes the lifelong emotional toll on families, including increased risks of maternal health complications and death.
- Prevention Opportunities: Stresses that better awareness, data, and evidence-based strategies (e.g., education on risk reduction) could save thousands of lives annually. References the 2024 Maternal and Child Health Stillbirth Prevention Act (Public Law 118-69), which expands federal funding for prevention and research.
- House Actions:
- Supports the goals and ideals of the designated day to boost awareness, prevention, research, data improvement, and family support.
- Affirms the need for evidence-based prevention efforts.
- Requests the President to issue a proclamation urging Americans to observe the day with prevention and awareness activities.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
This is a non-binding resolution and introduces no changes to existing laws. It builds on the 2024 Stillbirth Prevention Act by celebrating its passage and encouraging further federal action, but it does not amend statutes or allocate new resources.
Potential Impacts
- On Citizens: Increases public education on stillbirth risks and prevention, potentially reducing occurrences through informed actions by expectant families. Provides emotional recognition and support resources for affected families, addressing disparities in vulnerable communities.
- On Government Agencies: Encourages agencies like the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to enhance data collection and research. Prompts federal officials, including the President, to prioritize stillbirth prevention in public health initiatives, possibly leading to more coordinated programs without mandating them.
- On International Relations: No direct impact, as the resolution focuses on domestic U.S. public health issues.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Families and Expectant Parents: Directly impacted through recognition of losses and access to prevention education, especially in high-risk racial/ethnic groups.
- Healthcare Providers and Maternal Health Organizations: Beneficiaries of promoted research and data efforts to improve care and reduce disparities.
- Federal Government and Agencies: Including Congress, the President, CDC, and health departments, urged to lead awareness and prevention activities.
- Advocacy Groups: Such as those for maternal and child health, empowered by the resolution's symbolic support for ongoing initiatives.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: As a simple resolution, it has no enforceable legal effect but serves as an official expression of congressional intent, potentially influencing future appropriations or policies under existing laws like the 2024 Act.
- Constitutional: Aligns with Congress's power to recognize national observances (Article I) and promote general welfare, without infringing on states' rights or individual liberties.
- Political: Signals bipartisan support (introduced by Representatives Hinson and Adams) for maternal health priorities, potentially galvanizing public and legislative momentum for stillbirth prevention amid broader debates on healthcare access and racial equity in public health.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (1)
Recent Actions
- 2025-09-18: Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
- 2025-09-18: Submitted in House
- 2025-09-18: Submitted in House
Bill Versions
- Supporting the designation of September 19, 2025, as "National Stillbirth Prevention and Awareness Day", recognizing tens of thousands of families in the United States that have endured a stillbirth, and seizing the opportunity to keep other families from experiencing the same tragedy. — issued 2025-09-18 — PDF (3 pages)