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House Co-Sponsorship Memoranda
House of Representatives
Session of 2013 - 2014
Regular Session
MEMORANDUM
| Posted: | September 5, 2013 02:29 PM |
|---|---|
| From: | Representative Jake Wheatley, Jr. |
| To: | All House members |
| Subject: | Infant Mortality Awareness Month Resolution |
| In the near future, I intend to introduce a resolution designating September 2013, as “Infant Mortality Awareness Month,” in Pennsylvania. Infant mortality refers to the number of infants who die during their first year of life. Infant mortality is measured by an infant mortality rate, which is the number of infant deaths per 1,000 live births each year. In 2011, the United States’ infant mortality rate was 6.05 infant deaths per 1,000 live births. Many factors can contribute to high infant mortality rates including, but not limited to the following: poverty, limited access to healthcare, stress, poor prenatal care, lack of exercise, and diet and nutrition. Pennsylvania ranks 34th in the nation with an infant mortality rate of 7.3. In 2010, Allegheny County had an infant mortality rate of 7.5 per 1,000 live births. Infant mortality disproportionately affects women in urban and rural areas at disturbing rates. The United States Department of Health Services Office of Minority Health reports that African Americans have 2.3 times the infant mortality rates as non-Hispanic whites. In addition, African American infants are four times as likely to die due to complications related to low birth weight compared to non-Hispanic white infants. Infant mortality has become a serious issue in our state, nation, and world. By recognizing September 2013 as “Infant Mortality Awareness Month,” in Pennsylvania, we are promoting awareness of this salient issue, while encouraging women to seek access to quality prenatal care in their local communities. |
Introduced as HR436