PRINTER'S NO. 4172
THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA
HOUSE RESOLUTION
No.
1130
Session of
2018
INTRODUCED BY KINSEY, FITZGERALD, HENNESSEY, NEILSON, READSHAW,
MEHAFFIE, MILLARD, DONATUCCI, BURNS, THOMAS, DiGIROLAMO,
BOBACK, LONGIETTI, RYAN, BIZZARRO, YOUNGBLOOD, B. O'NEILL,
ROZZI AND HILL-EVANS, OCTOBER 5, 2018
INTRODUCED AS NONCONTROVERSIAL RESOLUTION UNDER RULE 35,
OCTOBER 5, 2018
A RESOLUTION
Recognizing the month of October 2018 as "Spina Bifida Awareness
Month" in Pennsylvania.
WHEREAS, Spina bifida is a permanently disabling birth defect
in which an area of the spinal column does not properly form and
leaves a section of the spinal cord and nerves exposed in the
back; and
WHEREAS, Spina bifida is the most common central nervous
system birth defect, affecting 1,500 to 2,000 of the more than 4
million babies born each year; and
WHEREAS, Spina bifida varies from person to person and can
lead to many impairments, including partial paralysis, bladder
and bowel disorders, allergies and social and sexual issues; and
WHEREAS, The exact cause of spina bifida is unknown, but it
is suspected to be the result of genetic, nutritional and
environmental factors; and
WHEREAS, Spina bifida is most often diagnosed in prenatal
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tests and screenings; and
WHEREAS, Recent studies have shown that women who add folic
acid into their diets significantly reduce the risk of having a
child with spina bifida; and
WHEREAS, It is therefore recommended that all women of
childbearing age consume 400 micrograms of folic acid daily; and
WHEREAS, There is no cure for spina bifida, and babies with
this condition often undergo surgery either in the womb or
shortly after birth to close the defect and minimize the risk of
infection; and
WHEREAS, Each person with spina bifida faces many different
challenges and may require different treatments; and
WHEREAS, With help, children born with spina bifida can lead
very active and full lives; and
WHEREAS, The Spina Bifida Association actively engages in
advocacy and education efforts to raise national awareness of
spina bifida and enhance the lives of children and adults
affected by this birth defect; and
WHEREAS, "Spina Bifida Awareness Month" increases public
awareness of this birth defect, acknowledges initiatives to
further understand this condition and celebrates the 177,000
Americans who live with the challenges of spina bifida;
therefore be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives recognize the
month of October 2018 as "Spina Bifida Awareness Month" in
Pennsylvania.
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