HR0119LRB098 10909 MST 41440 r


  
1
HOUSE RESOLUTION

  
 
2    WHEREAS, Since the 1950s, stillbirths have declined 
3dramatically, largely due to better treatment of certain 
4chronic conditions, however, one in  every 160 pregnancies in 
5the U.S. ends in a stillbirth each year; and
  
 
6    WHEREAS, Stillbirths are caused by a number of known causes 
7including, birth defects, placental problems, poor fetal 
8growth, infections, chronic health conditions of the mother, 
9and umbilical cord accidents; risk factors include a maternal 
10age over 35, maternal obesity, multiple gestation, and 
11African-American ancestry; a recent study found that 
12African-American women had a two-fold increased risk of 
13stillbirth compared to caucasian women; it is not known why 
14this is the case; and
  
 
15    WHEREAS, Women can take steps to lessen the risks of having 
16a stillbirth; before pregnancy, have a preconception visit with 
17their healthcare provider; during pregnancy, treat existing 
18conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and obesity; 
19discuss with their healthcare provider all prescription, 
20over-the-counter, and herbal medications they are taking so 
21that the medications do not pose a risk to the fetus; and not 
22smoke, drink alcohol, or use street drugs during pregnancy; and
  
 

  
 
 
HR0119- 2 -LRB098 10909 MST 41440 r

1    WHEREAS, Women who experience a stillbirth have the option 
2of receiving a Certificate of Stillbirth from the Department of 
3Public Health; it appears that the overwhelming majority of 
4women who experience such a tragedy are not interested in a 
5certificate or are not aware one is available to them; in the 
6last 10 years only 75 Certificates of Stillbirth have been 
7requested; therefore, be it
  
 
8    RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE 
9NINETY-EIGHTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that 
10compared with other developed countries, the U.S. has a 
11relatively high rate of stillbirths; and be it further
  
 
12    RESOLVED, That we recognize the need for greater awareness 
13of the incidence of stillbirth; and be it further
 
14    RESOLVED, That a Certificate of Stillbirth is available in 
15this State; and be it further
 
16    RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be 
17presented to the Illinois Department of Public Health and 
18Planned Parenthood of Illinois.