S.RES. 401

119th CONGRESS 1st Session

Supporting the designation of September 19, 2025, as , recognizing tens of thousands of families in the United States that have endured a stillbirth, and seizing the opportunity to keep other families from experiencing the same tragedy. "National Stillbirth Prevention and Awareness Day"

IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES · September 18 (legislative day, September 16), 2025 · Sponsor: Mr. Merkley · Committee: Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions

Preamble

Whereas more than 21,000 pregnancies in the United States end in stillbirth each year, and the lack of access to maternal health care services has exacerbated the crisis; Whereas racial disparities persist in birth outcomes, with Black, American Indian and Alaska Native, Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander, and Hispanic families at the greatest risk of losing a baby to stillbirth; Whereas, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the annual number of stillbirths far exceeds the number of deaths from the top 5 leading causes of death among children under 15 years of age combined, including unintentional injuries, congenital anomalies, preterm birth, homicide, and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome; Whereas stillbirths are devastating and have a profound and lifelong impact on the families who endure them; Whereas losing a baby to stillbirth is linked to an increased risk of maternal morbidity and mortality; Whereas, with increased awareness and better data collection, the United States will be able to better understand why stillbirths in the United States are happening at an alarming rate and identify what can be done to combat this crisis; Whereas proven stillbirth prevention efforts have the power to save thousands of babies every year, and innovations in stillbirth prevention could save thousands of additional families nationwide every year from the heartache of losing a baby; Whereas recognizing is an opportunity to increase awareness, support evidence-based prevention efforts, promote research, encourage improved data collection and greater understanding, and provide support to those who have experienced a stillbirth; and "National Stillbirth Prevention and Awareness Day" Whereas — "National Stillbirth Prevention and Awareness Day"

That the Senate— (1) supports the goals and ideals of ; "National Stillbirth Prevention and Awareness Day"

(2) understands the importance of advancing evidence-based prevention efforts; and

(3) requests that the President issue a proclamation calling upon the people of the United States to observe with appropriate prevention and awareness programs and activities. "National Stillbirth Prevention and Awareness Day"