HR0119 98TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0119 LRB098 10909 MST 41440 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, Since the 1950s, stillbirths have declined dramatically, largely due to better treatment of certain chronic conditions, however, one in every 160 pregnancies in the U.S. ends in a stillbirth each year; and

WHEREAS, Stillbirths are caused by a number of known causes including, birth defects, placental problems, poor fetal growth, infections, chronic health conditions of the mother, and umbilical cord accidents; risk factors include a maternal age over 35, maternal obesity, multiple gestation, and African-American ancestry; a recent study found that African-American women had a two-fold increased risk of stillbirth compared to caucasian women; it is not known why this is the case; and

WHEREAS, Women can take steps to lessen the risks of having a stillbirth; before pregnancy, have a preconception visit with their healthcare provider; during pregnancy, treat existing conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and obesity; discuss with their healthcare provider all prescription, over-the-counter, and herbal medications they are taking so that the medications do not pose a risk to the fetus; and not smoke, drink alcohol, or use street drugs during pregnancy; and

WHEREAS, Women who experience a stillbirth have the option of receiving a Certificate of Stillbirth from the Department of Public Health; it appears that the overwhelming majority of women who experience such a tragedy are not interested in a certificate or are not aware one is available to them; in the last 10 years only 75 Certificates of Stillbirth have been requested; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-EIGHTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that compared with other developed countries, the U.S. has a relatively high rate of stillbirths; and be it further

RESOLVED, That we recognize the need for greater awareness of the incidence of stillbirth; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a Certificate of Stillbirth is available in this State; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to the Illinois Department of Public Health and Planned Parenthood of Illinois.