[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 86 (Monday, June 1, 2015)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E807]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      PREECLAMPSIA AWARENESS MONTH

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. LOIS CAPPS

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                          Monday, June 1, 2015

  Mrs. CAPPS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of May as 
Preeclampsia Awareness Month.
  Despite great strides in maternity care over the years, there is an 
immediate need for further research into preeclampsia as well as 
related hypertensive disorders of pregnancy--eclampsia and HELLP 
syndrome.
  While at least 5-8% of pregnant women suffer from these conditions 
each year, 60% of preventable pregnancy-related deaths are the result 
of preeclampsia alone.
  These diseases occur only during pregnancy and the immediate post-
partum period, affecting the health, and sometimes the lives, of the 
mother and baby.
  And those women who develop preeclampsia during pregnancy can feel 
the effects years later; these women are four times more likely to 
develop hypertension later in life, and are twice as likely to develop 
heart disease, stroke, and blood clots.
  The only known cure for preeclampsia is delivery, which is often 
conducted prior to a pregnancy being full term in the context of an 
emergency situation.
  This is not ideal for the woman or her baby.
  As a nurse and longtime public health advocate, I know that robust 
funding for maternal and child health research and education is one of 
the most important investments we can make.
  I strongly encourage Congress to prioritize continued research on 
preeclampsia and related diseases.
  Let's protect women and children from this progressive and often 
misdiagnosed disorder.

                          ____________________