PRINTER'S NO. 3886

THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA

HOUSE RESOLUTION

No.

1013

Session of

2015

INTRODUCED BY DONATUCCI, SEPTEMBER 21, 2016

INTRODUCED AS NONCONTROVERSIAL RESOLUTION UNDER RULE 35,

SEPTEMBER 21, 2016

as "World Prematurity Day," a chance to raise awareness about

the topic of prematurity on the local, national and

international level; and

WHEREAS, While most women give birth to healthy, full-term

babies, premature births are not uncommon and involve much

emotional pain for the mother and her family; and

WHEREAS, Also known as preterm birth, a premature birth is

one that occurs at least three weeks before the due date for a

baby or less than 37 weeks' gestation; and

WHEREAS, Preterm birth can happen to any pregnant woman, and

abnormalities; and

WHEREAS, If a woman has any of these three risk factors, it

is especially important for her to know the signs and symptoms

of preterm labor and what to do if they occur; and

WHEREAS, Among the known lifestyle risk factors for preterm

birth are a woman's use of tobacco, alcohol, drugs and

inadequate preconception and prenatal care, although prematurity

in birth may occur in women who have no known risk factors; and

WHEREAS, Preterm babies represent the largest child patient

group, and the number of preterm births continues to increase

even as the total number of overall births is steadily

the problems and risks involved in the development of a preterm

infant; and

WHEREAS, A recent report ranks the United States 131st in the

world in terms of its preterm birth rate of 12 per 100 live

births, almost tied with Somalia, Thailand and Turkey; and

WHEREAS, With a 2015 preterm birth rate of 9.4%, Pennsylvania

received a "C" on its report card, indicating improvement in the

past years, but the need for more improvement in reducing the

number of preterm births in this Commonwealth exists; and

WHEREAS, Although babies may survive preterm birth, some may

respiratory problems, cerebral palsy, a higher risk of learning,

behavioral and intellectual disabilities, vision and hearing

loss, feeding and digestive problems, sensory and motor

deficits, infections and cardiovascular diseases or diabetes,

compared to their full-term counterparts; and

WHEREAS, In the United States, the annual cost of these

serious health consequences is estimated to be more than $26

billion; and

WHEREAS, Prematurity is the leading cause of death for

newborn babies, and, compared to most industrialized countries,

the United States has a high rate of preterm birth as in 2014

screening tests that identify women likely to give birth early

as well as treatments that can be used early to interrupt the

cascade of events leading to prematurity; therefore be it

RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives recognize

November 17, 2016, as "World Prematurity Day" in Pennsylvania

and acknowledge the serious public health concern of prematurity

in birth and the compelling need to reduce the incidence of

preterm births in this Commonwealth; and be it further

RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives commend the staff

and volunteers of the March of Dimes for their considerable