WASHINGTON – Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) and Rep. Ashley Hinson (R-Iowa) introduced a resolution designating today, September 19th, as National Stillbirth Prevention Day. The bipartisan, bicameral effort supports raising awareness of stillbirths and developing evidence-based solutions to reduce their occurrence. Grassley and Hinson are joined by Sens. Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.) and Cory Booker (D-N.J.) and Rep. Alma Adams (D-N.C.).  

“We can and should be doing more to save babies’ lives and improve pre-natal care – that’s what this resolution is all about,” Grassley said. “Too many families know the heartbreak of stillbirths, yet such tragic losses are often avoidable. As our medical communities continue their work on evidence-based practices to prevent stillbirths, federal resources could help empower their efforts by expanding data collection for researchers and enhancing treatment access for expectant moms." 

"The stillbirth rate in the United States is unacceptably high, especially for low-income and rural moms, and we must do more to help them have healthy pregnancies. We can and must do better by these moms and their babies. I am proud to lead the effort to recognize September 19th as National Stillbirth Prevention Day to help end the often silent heartbreak of stillbirth and save babies,” Hinson said.  

This resolution is among several Grassley efforts to improve maternal and child health services, which disproportionately affect women of color and those living in rural areas. In his capacity as a senior member and former chairman of the Senate Finance Committee, Grassley is working to advance his Healthy Moms and Babies Act. The bipartisan bill would expand “whole person” care provision, bolster the maternal health workforce and enhance maternal telehealth care access. Grassley is also co-leading legislation to ensure evidence-based stillbirth prevention initiatives can qualify for federal funding.  

The National Stillbirth Prevention Day resolution has garnered support from over 30 organizations nationwide, including Iowa’s Healthy Birth Day, Inc.  

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