An open letter to the U.S. House of Representatives
Support Urged: Stillbirth Prevention Act of 2023
1 so far! Help us get to 5 signers!
I am writing to express my fervent support for the Maternal and Child Health Stillbirth Prevention Act of 2023. As a concerned citizen deeply moved by the harrowing statistics of stillbirths in our nation, I commend the bipartisan and bicameral efforts to address this devastating issue.
The fact that one out of 75 births in the U.S. results in stillbirth, amounting to nearly 21,000 such tragedies each year, is a sobering reality that demands urgent action. This legislation, championed by Representatives Ashley Hinson and Alma Adams, alongside Senators Jeff Merkley and Bill Cassidy, marks a critical step towards rectifying a national health crisis that has long needed comprehensive intervention.
This groundbreaking bill illuminates the stark disparities in maternal care, especially in rural areas, and the disproportionate impact of stillbirths on Black, American Indian, and Alaska Native communities. It acknowledges the preventability of nearly one-fourth of these heart-wrenching losses and strives to bridge the gap in maternal healthcare access. The bipartisan support it has garnered is a testament to the universal acknowledgment that every life is precious, and every potential measure to safeguard these lives must be pursued with unyielding commitment.
The endorsement by esteemed organizations such as Healthy Birth Day, Inc., March of Dimes, and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, among many others, underscores the profound significance and potential impact of this act. These endorsements resonate with the collective yearning for a society where the tragedy of stillbirth is not a shadow that looms over expectant families but a challenge we have collectively risen to meet and overcome.
I echo the sentiments of countless experts and advocates in urging swift and decisive action in passing the Maternal and Child Health Stillbirth Prevention Act of 2023. It is imperative that we employ every resource at our disposal to mitigate these losses, support affected families, and ensure a healthier future for all mothers and their children.
Thank you for your attention to this paramount issue. I trust in your leadership and compassion to prioritize the health and well-being of our nation's mothers and children by supporting this vital legislation.