HR0326 99TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0326 LRB099 11591 GRL 33281 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, Preeclampsia is a dangerous condition of pregnancy that can, in its most severe form, lead to maternal and infant mortality or premature birth with significant health risks for the mother and baby; and

WHEREAS, More than 350,000 cases of preeclampsia are diagnosed in America every year; 25% of the cases are classified as severe; and

WHEREAS, In America, a pregnant woman and her baby face life-threatening consequences due to preeclampsia every 6 minutes; and

WHEREAS, Globally, preeclampsia and other hypertensive disorders of pregnancy are leading causes of maternal and infant illness and death; conservative estimates claim that these disorders are responsible for 76,000 maternal and 500,000 infant deaths each year; and

WHEREAS, Public awareness of the symptoms of preeclampsia, which include spikes in maternal blood pressure, sudden swelling of the face, feet, and hands, severe upper abdominal pain, and blurred vision, can help women recognize the condition and seek appropriate medical care; and

WHEREAS, Many citizens of Illinois have joined with the Preeclampsia Foundation to raise public awareness in order to minimize maternal and infant illness and death due to preeclampsia; and

WHEREAS, The members of this body join the Preeclampsia Foundation in envisioning a world where preeclampsia no longer threatens the lives of mothers and babies; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-NINTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we designate May 17, 2015 as Preeclampsia Awareness Day in the State of Illinois and applaud the Preeclampsia Foundation's mission to reduce maternal and infant illness and death due to preeclampsia and other hypertensive disorders of pregnancy; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to the Preeclampsia Foundation as a symbol of our respect and esteem for its work.