HR0076LRB098 10711 MST 41036 r

1
HOUSE RESOLUTION

 
2    WHEREAS, Since the 1950s, stillbirths have declined
3dramatically, largely due to better treatment of certain
4chronic conditions, however, there are still approximately 900
5fetal deaths per year in the State of Illinois; and
 
6    WHEREAS, Stillbirths are caused by a number of known causes
7including, birth defects, placental problems, poor fetal
8growth, infections, chronic health conditions of the mother,
9and umbilical cord accidents; risk factors include a maternal
10age over 35, maternal obesity, multiple gestation, and
11African-American ancestry; a recent study found that
12African-American women had a two-fold increased risk of
13stillbirth compared to caucasian women; it is not known why
14this is the case; and
 
15    WHEREAS, Women can take steps to lessen the risks of having
16a stillbirth; before pregnancy, have a preconception visit with
17their healthcare provider; during pregnancy, treat existing
18conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and obesity;
19discuss with their healthcare provider all prescription,
20over-the-counter, and herbal medications they are taking so
21that the medications do not pose a risk to the fetus; and not
22smoke, drink alcohol, or use street drugs during pregnancy; and
 

 

 

HR0076- 2 -LRB098 10711 MST 41036 r

1    WHEREAS, Women who experience a stillbirth have the option
2of receiving a Certificate of Stillbirth from the Department of
3Health; it appears that the overwhelming majority of women who
4experience such a tragedy are not interested in a certificate
5or are not aware one is available to them; in the last 10 years
6only 75 Certificates of Stillbirth have been requested;
7therefore, be it
 
8    RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE
9NINETY-EIGHTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that
10stillbirths are a not a problem of the past and that a
11Certificate of Stillbirth is available in this State; and be it
12further
 
13    RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be
14presented to the Illinois Department of Health and Planned
15Parenthood of Illinois.