Prematurity Awareness Month

By virtue of the authority vested by the Constitution of Virginia in the Governor of the Commonwealth of Virginia, there is hereby officially recognized:

Prematurity Awareness Month

WHEREAS, preterm birth is defined as delivery before 37 weeks of pregnancy and may result in developmental complications with long-term effects on a child's health and well-being; and

WHEREAS, preterm birth is a leading cause of infant mortality during the neonatal period, defined as the first 28 days of life; and

WHEREAS, approximately 9,467 infants are born preterm in the Commonwealth of Virginia each year, contributing to more than 337,000 preterm births nationwide; and

WHEREAS, preterm birth rates are approximately 50 percent higher among Black women than among White and Hispanic women, underscoring persistent racial disparities in maternal and infant health; and

WHEREAS, Prematurity Awareness Month provides an opportunity to increase public awareness of the challenges associated with preterm birth and promote prevention efforts; and

WHEREAS, the Commonwealth of Virginia supports collaborative efforts among health care professionals, organizations, and community partners to advance maternal care and improve outcomes for women and infants across the Commonwealth;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Abigail D. Spanberger, Governor, do hereby recognize November 2026 as PREMATURITY AWARENESS MONTH in the COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA, and I call this observance to the attention of all our citizens.