[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 151 (Tuesday, September 19, 2023)]
[Senate]
[Page S4598]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]





                         SUBMITTED RESOLUTIONS

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  SENATE RESOLUTION 349--SUPPORTING THE DESIGNATION OF SEPTEMBER 19, 
 2023, AS ``NATIONAL STILLBIRTH PREVENTION DAY'', RECOGNIZING TENS OF 
  THOUSANDS OF AMERICAN FAMILIES THAT HAVE ENDURED A STILLBIRTH, AND 
 SEIZING THE OPPORTUNITY TO KEEP OTHER FAMILIES FROM EXPERIENCING THE 
                              SAME TRAGEDY

  Mr. MERKLEY (for himself, Mr. Booker, and Mr. Grassley) submitted the 
following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Health, 
Education, Labor, and Pensions:

                              S. Res. 349

       Whereas approximately 21,000 pregnancies in the United 
     States end in stillbirth each year;
       Whereas racial disparities persist in birth outcomes, with 
     Black, Hispanic, Native Pacific Islander, and Indigenous 
     families at the greatest risk of losing a baby to stillbirth;
       Whereas, according to the Centers for Disease Control and 
     Prevention, the annual number of stillbirths far exceeds the 
     number of deaths among children under 15 years of age due to 
     sudden infant death syndrome, car accidents, drowning, guns, 
     fire, poison, and flu combined;
       Whereas stillbirths are devastating and have a profound and 
     lifelong impact on the families who endure them;
       Whereas stillbirth is linked to an increased risk of 
     maternal mortality;
       Whereas, with increased awareness and better data 
     collection, the United States will be able to better 
     understand why stillbirths in the United States are happening 
     at an alarming rate and identify what can be done to combat 
     this crisis;
       Whereas proven stillbirth prevention efforts have the power 
     to save thousands of babies every year, and innovations in 
     stillbirth prevention could save thousands of additional 
     families nationwide from the heartache of losing a baby every 
     year;
       Whereas recognizing ``National Stillbirth Prevention Day'' 
     is an opportunity to increase awareness, support evidence-
     based prevention efforts, promote research, encourage 
     improved data collection and greater understanding, and 
     provide support to those who have experienced stillbirth; and
       Whereas ``National Stillbirth Prevention Day'' calls on the 
     President and all other Federal officials to use authority to 
     take action to help reduce stillbirths and to ensure every 
     expectant family is educated on how to reduce the risk of 
     losing a baby to stillbirth: Now, therefore, be it
       Resolved, That the Senate--
       (1) supports the goals and ideals of ``National Stillbirth 
     Prevention Day'';
       (2) understands the importance of advancing evidence-based 
     prevention efforts; and
       (3) requests that the President issue a proclamation 
     calling upon the people of the United States to observe 
     National Stillbirth Prevention Day with appropriate awareness 
     programs and activities.

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