Grassley, Hinson Lead Bipartisan Push for Stillbirth Prevention and Awareness

Grassley, Hinson Lead Bipartisan Push for Stillbirth Prevention and Awareness

Download audio HERE.

WASHINGTON - Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) and Rep. Ashley Hinson (R-Iowa) joined Sens. Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.) and Cory Booker (D-N.J.), along with Rep. Alma Adams, (D-N.C.) and others, to introduce a bipartisan, bicameral resolution recognizing September 19, 2026, as National Stillbirth Prevention and Awareness Day.

In 2024, the bipartisan Maternal and Child Health Stillbirth Prevention Act, supported by Grassley and Hinson, was signed into law to help save the lives of mothers and babies across America.

With almost one-fourth of stillbirths being potentially preventable, this resolution stresses the importance of advancing evidence-based stillbirth prevention efforts in the United States.

"No family should have to endure the heartbreak of a stillbirth. While states like Iowa have made progress at reducing stillbirths, there's still much more to be done to strengthen maternal healthcare, especially in rural areas, to help prevent these tragedies. Our bipartisan resolution raises awareness and promotes research to help target contributing factors and save babies' lives," Grassley said.

"Improving prenatal education and access to maternal care-especially in rural areas where women may travel over an hour to see a provider-is critical to protecting babies and reducing maternal deaths. Getting my Maternal and Child Health Stillbirth Prevention Act signed into law was a major step, but more must be done to support expecting moms and prevent stillbirths. I'm proud to reintroduce this resolution recognizing September 19th as National Stillbirth Prevention and Awareness Day and will continue working across the aisle to end the tragedy of stillbirth," Hinson said.

In addition to Grassley, Hinson, Merkley, Booker and Adams, the resolution is cosponsored by Sens. Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), Steve Daines (R-Mont.), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.), Angus King (I-Maine), Roger Marshall (R-Kan.), Gary Peters (D-Mich.), Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.), Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), and Ron Wyden (D-Ore) and by Rep. Melanie Stansbury (D-N.M.).

The bipartisan, bicameral resolution is supported by 46 organizations, including Healthy Birth Day, Inc.

Full text of the resolution can be found HERE.

Download audio from the senator HERE.

Background:

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, one out of every 183 births-more than 20,000 per year-tragically results in a stillbirth, which is more stillbirths annually than the number of babies who pass away during their first year of life. Parents who experience stillbirth are also at an increased risk for severe maternal morbidity, depression and mortality.

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