HJ0111eng 96TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HJ0111 Engrossed LRB096 21411 KTG 37718 r

HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION 111

WHEREAS, Nearly one in 8 babies born in Illinois is born preterm, 13.3% of Illinois babies in total; and

WHEREAS, The percentage of preterm births in Illinois has increased by 15%; and

WHEREAS, The rate of preterm births in Illinois is highest for African-American infants (19.3%) followed by Native Americans (15.6%), Hispanics (12.1%), Caucasians (11.9%) and Asians (10.7%); and

WHEREAS, African-American infants (19.3%) are about two times as likely as Asian infants (10.7%) to be born preterm; and

WHEREAS, Major risk factors for preterm and very preterm births include multiple births, history of preterm delivery, stress, infection, smoking, and illicit drug use; and

WHEREAS, In the United States, preterm birth or low birth weight is the 2nd leading cause of all infant deaths during the first year of life and the leading cause of infant deaths among African-American infants; and

WHEREAS, The global toll of preterm births is severe; and an estimated 28% of the 4 million annual neonatal deaths are due to preterm births; and

WHEREAS, Children born preterm have higher rates of learning disabilities, cerebral palsy, sensory deficits, and respiratory illnesses compared to children born at term; and

WHEREAS, To be most effective, preventive strategies should involve strengthening existing reproductive, maternal, newborn, and child health care programs to encourage synergies of preterm birth care while, at the same time, stimulating fresh thinking and innovative new approaches to prevention; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-SIXTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, THE SENATE CONCURRING HEREIN, that we urge the Perinatal Advisory Committee within the Illinois Department of Public Health to investigate how Illinois can reduce the incidence of preterm births in Illinois; and be it further

RESOLVED, That the Perinatal Advisory Committee shall consult with a representative of the Illinois Department of Human Services, a representative of the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services, a representative of an organization whose main focus is on preterm births; 2 members of the Illinois House of Representatives, one of whom shall be named by the Speaker of the House, and one of whom shall be named by the Minority Leader of the House; and 2 members of the Senate, one of whom shall be named by the President of the Senate and one of whom shall be named by the Minority Leader of the Senate; and be it further;

RESOLVED, That the Perinatal Advisory Committee shall, in a written report that is to be delivered to the General Assembly on or before November 1, 2012, make findings and recommendations concerning reducing preterm births in Illinois; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this resolution be presented to the Director of the Department of Public Health.