1Recognizing the month of April 2014 as "Multiple Birth Awareness
2Month" in Pennsylvania.

3WHEREAS, Multiples of America, also known as the National
4Organization of Mothers of Twins Clubs, Inc., has joined with
5local organizations to establish and celebrate April as National
6Multiple Birth Awareness Month; and

7WHEREAS, The number of live births in twin deliveries in 2011
8was approximately 131,269 births, and there were also 5,137
9triplets, 239 quadruplets and 41 higher-order multiples born
10nationwide; and

11WHEREAS, With the increase in multiple births, there is an
12increased risk for the mothers and babies; and

13WHEREAS, Nationally, one out of every eight twins and one of
14every three triplets are born very preterm, compared with fewer
15than two of every 100 single births, and death during infancy is
16four times more common for twins than singletons; and

17WHEREAS, This month will be used to spread awareness about
18the issues that families of multiple births face, including what

1to know when expecting multiples, such as twin-to-twin
2transfusion syndrome and other fetal issues directly affecting
3multiple-birth pregnancies, premature births and low-birth
4weights, multiples with special needs, the exceptional physical
5and bonding demands placed on parents and the separation of
6multiples in classrooms; and

7WHEREAS, There are many local support groups for parents of
8multiples and many of these clubs are planning events throughout
9their communities during this month to celebrate their families,
10increase participation and help out other families in need; and

11WHEREAS, By raising awareness of multiple births, this month
12also encourages parents of multiples, or who are expecting
13multiples, to seek out the resources and support found with
14local Mothers of Twins Clubs, through their prenatal care
15provider, pediatrician, local hospital or friends and family;
16and

17WHEREAS, These clubs are established to serve parents or
18guardians of multiple-birth children through education, research
19and fellowship; and

20WHEREAS, The Senate joins with the many parents of multiples
21to celebrate the joys and challenges they face in raising their
22twins, triplets or higher-order multiples and supports efforts
23to educate our communities on the needs and challenges of
24multiple-birth children; therefore be it

25RESOLVED, That the Senate recognize and celebrate the month
26of April 2014 as "Multiple Birth Awareness Month" in
27Pennsylvania.