HR0076 98TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0076 LRB098 10711 MST 41036 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, Since the 1950s, stillbirths have declined dramatically, largely due to better treatment of certain chronic conditions, however, there are still approximately 900 fetal deaths per year in the State of Illinois; 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 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 stillbirths are a not a problem of the past and 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 Health and Planned Parenthood of Illinois.