PRINTER'S NO. 1192
THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA
SENATE RESOLUTION
No.
206
Session of
2017
INTRODUCED BY FONTANA, DINNIMAN, EICHELBERGER, GREENLEAF,
SABATINA, BREWSTER, FARNESE, RAFFERTY, HUGHES, YUDICHAK AND
BAKER, SEPTEMBER 20, 2017
INTRODUCED AND ADOPTED, SEPTEMBER 20, 2017
A RESOLUTION
Designating the month of October 2017 as "Spina Bifida Awareness
Month" in Pennsylvania.
WHEREAS, Spina bifida is a congenital defect and occurs when
there is an incomplete formation of the spine; and
WHEREAS, Spina bifida is the most frequently occurring,
permanently disabling birth defect affecting 1 in 2,500 babies
in the United States each year; and
WHEREAS, Spina bifida is not one condition and often results
in partial paralysis, bowel and bladder incontinence, skin
sensitivity, hydrocephalus and a myriad of other cognitive,
developmental and physical challenges of varying degrees; and
WHEREAS, The cause of spina bifida is unknown and affects
each individual differently; and
WHEREAS, Before a woman even knows she is pregnant, spina
bifida occurs at the end of the first month of gestation, when
the neural tube fails to form completely; and
WHEREAS, Every woman of child-bearing age is at risk of
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having a child with spina bifida, which is why it is recommended
that all women who are planning on becoming pregnant consume 400
micrograms of folic acid daily; and
WHEREAS, Folic acid may reduce the risk of having a child
with a neural tube defect but it is not guaranteed; and
WHEREAS, Many people believe a diagnosis of spina bifida
ensures a poor quality of life, which is not true; and
WHEREAS, Thanks to advancement in treatments over the past
few decades, many individuals go on to live an independent and
active life; and
WHEREAS, Designating October 2017 as "Spina Bifida Awareness
Month" brings greater awareness to help further understand this
condition while celebrating the lives of more than 166,000
Americans affected; therefore be it
RESOLVED, That the Senate designate the month of October 2017
as "Spina Bifida Awareness Month" in Pennsylvania.
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