A resolution designating September 2025 as "National Infant Mortality Awareness Month", raising awareness of infant mortality, and increasing efforts to reduce infant mortality.
- Bill Number
- S.Res. 429
- Origin Chamber
- Senate
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Health
- Status
- Passed Senate
- Latest Action
- 2025-09-30: Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S6882; text: CR S6880)
- Last Updated
- 2026-06-16T15:02:52Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
This Senate resolution aims to designate September 2025 as "National Infant Mortality Awareness Month" to increase public awareness of infant mortality—the death of a baby before their first birthday—and to encourage actions that reduce these deaths, addressing factors like preterm births, low birth weight, and health disparities.
Key Provisions
- Background Context (Whereas Clauses): Highlights U.S. infant mortality rates (5.4 deaths per 1,000 live births, ranking 33rd among 38 OECD countries), higher risks in communities of color (e.g., African American, Native American, Latino, Asian, Hawaiian/Pacific Islander), low-income areas, and regions with limited healthcare access. Notes leading causes like premature birth and low birth weight, high U.S. healthcare spending, and the benefits of community programs (e.g., home visits, health education, father involvement). Recognizes existing federal efforts, such as the Newborn Supply Kit program, Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System (PRAMS) for tracking risks, Healthy Start program for high-risk communities, and the Advisory Committee on Infant Mortality for policy advice. Encourages partnerships between the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), states, and educational institutions.
- Actions (Resolved Clauses):
- Designates September 2025 as National Infant Mortality Awareness Month.
- Supports education on infant mortality causes and efforts to reduce deaths, low birth weight, preterm births, and unequal health outcomes in pregnancy and birth (perinatal disparities).
- Emphasizes including infant mortality reduction in broader prevention and wellness strategies.
- Urges Americans to participate in related programs and activities during the month.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
This is a non-binding resolution, so it introduces no legal changes or enforceable requirements. It builds on existing public awareness efforts held annually in September but adds a formal Senate designation for 2025 and reinforces support for ongoing federal programs without altering laws or budgets.
Potential Impacts
- On Government Agencies: Encourages HHS and related bodies (e.g., Maternal and Child Health Bureau, Advisory Committee) to expand partnerships and initiatives, potentially leading to more community-focused health services. Could indirectly lower long-term costs for medical care, special education, and social services by preventing low birth weight issues.
- On Citizens: Raises awareness among families, especially in vulnerable communities, promoting access to outreach, education, and care coordination to improve maternal and infant health outcomes and reduce disparities.
- On International Relations: Minimal direct impact, though it underscores U.S. challenges compared to other OECD countries, potentially influencing global health discussions on infant mortality.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- High-Risk Communities: Families in African American, Native American, Alaskan Native, Latino, Asian, Hawaiian/Pacific Islander groups; low-income, high-unemployment areas; and regions with limited medical access.
- Healthcare and Community Providers: Doctors, home visitation programs, care coordinators, and organizations delivering health education and interconceptional care (support between pregnancies).
- Government Entities: Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), states, educational institutions, and advisory committees focused on maternal and child health.
- General Public: All Americans, through calls for education and participation in awareness activities.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: As a simple resolution agreed to by the Senate, it has no force of law and requires no presidential approval or House concurrence. It promotes voluntary actions without mandating spending or policy shifts.
- Constitutional: Aligns with Congress's broad authority to recognize awareness months and support public health education under its powers to promote general welfare; no conflicts with free speech, privacy, or other rights.
- Political: Bipartisan introduction (by Senators Hyde-Smith and Ossoff) signals cross-party consensus on public health issues. It highlights social inequities and preventive care, potentially influencing future legislation on maternal health funding, but remains symbolic rather than prescriptive.
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
- 2025-09-30: Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S6882; text: CR S6880)
- 2025-09-30: Passed/agreed to in Senate: Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent.
- 2025-09-30: Introduced in Senate
Bill Versions
- Designating September 2025 as National Infant Mortality Awareness Month, raising awareness of infant mortality, and increasing efforts to reduce infant mortality. — issued 2025-09-30 — PDF (3 pages)