The Maternal and Child Health Stillbirth Prevention Act

Stillbirth prevention advocates stand on the steps of the Capitol with Congresswoman Alma Adams
Stillbirth prevention advocates stand with Congresswoman Alma Adams (D-North Carolina) on the steps of the U.S. Capitol on Sept. 19, 2022.

The Maternal and Child Health Stillbirth Prevention Act was introduced in Congress on March 9, 2022 by Congresswoman Alma Adams (D-North Carolina), Congresswoman Ashley Hinson (R-Iowa), Senator Jeff Merkley (D-Oregon) and Senator Bill Cassidy (R-Louisiana). Healthy Birth Day, Inc., the nonprofit organization that created the Count the Kicks stillbirth prevention campaign, is proud to be the primary stakeholder of this important stillbirth prevention legislation.

The Maternal and Child Health Stillbirth Prevention Act is a critical piece of legislation that would add stillbirth and stillbirth prevention to Title V of the Social Security Act — something that has been lacking since the introduction of Title V funding back in 1935. Our organization helped initiate the legislation after discovering the omission of stillbirth from the most important piece of maternal health legislation in our country.

We invite you to learn more and join us in supporting this important stillbirth prevention legislation.

The following organizations have endorsed the bill: American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), Association of Maternal & Child Health Programs (AMCHP), Black Mamas Matter AllianceEvery Mother CountsHealthy Birth Day, Inc., The 2 Degrees FoundationMarch of DimesMaternal Mental Health Leadership AllianceMeasure the PlacentaMom CongressMoms Rising TogetherPUSH for Empowered PregnancyReproductive and Placental Research Unit-Yale School of Medicine, Return to Zero: HOPE1st Breath2020 Mom, and Star Legacy Foundation.

Stillbirth Prevention Legislative Coalition Meeting

Both the SHINE for Autumn Act and the Maternal and Child Health Stillbirth Prevention Act have the potential to achieve life-saving results but it will take a full coalition effort to get them signed into law. Your voice – every voice – matters and must be heard.

In this recording of the stillbirth prevention legislative coalition meeting held on Jan. 25, 2023, you can learn more about ways we can work together to push forward our efforts to ensure the 118th Congress takes action on stillbirth prevention legislation this year.

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Support the Stillbirth Prevention Act

Read the bill, download our advocacy toolkit, and get involved in supporting stillbirth prevention legislation in America.

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About the Bill
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Help Activate Change: Reach out to Congress Today

National Stillbirth Prevention Day

The United States Senate and House of Representatives introduced a Resolution declaring Sept. 19 as National Stillbirth Prevention Day. It is a way to honor the tens of thousands of American families who lose a baby to stillbirth every year and resolve to do all it can to prevent the tragedy of stillbirth from happening to more families. 

We want to thank Congresswoman Alma Adams (D-North Carolina), Congresswoman Ashley Hinson (R-Iowa), Senator Jeff Merkley (D-Oregon), Senator Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) and Senator Cory Booker (D-New Jersey) for leading this Resolution. 

Read the Resolution

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Stillbirth in the U.S.

6.5 Times More Common than SIDS

It is unacceptable that 44,600 expectant parents will lose their baby to stillbirth this year. Currently, the annual number of stillbirths far exceeds the number of deaths among children aged 0-14 years from preterm birth, SIDS, accidents, drownings, guns, fire, and flu combined.

Impact of Stillbirth in the U.S.
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ProPublica: Stillbirth Series by Duaa Eldeib
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Without your help this silent crisis is only going to get worse. We have solutions to save babies NOW. Reach out to Congress today and urge them to support stillbirth prevention legislation.

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