New legislation is part of a longer-term solution towards the prevention and reduction of incidences of stillbirth in the United States
ARLINGTON, VA., July 15, 2024 – March of Dimes, the leader in the fight for the health of all moms and babies, celebrates the signing of the Maternal and Child Health Stillbirth Prevention Act (S. 2231/H.R. 4581) into law by President Joe Biden, marking a significant milestone in the fight to reduce stillbirths and improve maternal and child health outcomes across the United States.
The Maternal and Child Health Stillbirth Prevention Act, which passed in the House and was unanimously approved by the Senate, will add stillbirth and stillbirth prevention to Title V of the Social Security Act clarifying that these funds can be used for stillbirth education and prevention activities. This legislation calls for comprehensive, evidence-based programs and activities aimed at reducing the incidence of stillbirth including:
- Tracking and raising awareness of fetal movements
- Improving birth timing for pregnant individuals with risk factors
- Encouraging safe sleeping positions for pregnant individuals
- Screening and surveillance for fetal growth restriction
- Promoting smoking cessation among pregnant individuals
- Supporting community-based programs that provide home visits or other types of support
"Today's signing of the Maternal and Child Health Stillbirth Prevention Act is a critical step forward in our efforts to save lives and improve health outcomes for moms and babies," said Stacey Y. Brayboy, March of Dimes Senior Vice President of Public Policy and Government Affairs. "We are deeply grateful to the bill's sponsors for their commitment to helping turn the tide in the maternal and infant health crisis and to all the advocates and organizations who have worked tirelessly to ensure that every family has the best possible chance for a healthy pregnancy and a healthy baby."
March of Dimes extends its heartfelt appreciation to the bill's sponsors, Representatives Ashley Hinson (R-IA) and Alma Adams (D-NC) in the House, and Senators Jeff Merkley (D-OR) and Bill Cassidy (R-LA) in the Senate, along with partners, including Healthy Birth Day, Inc. Their dedication and leadership have been instrumental in advancing this vital legislation.
Approximately 21,000 babies are still born every year in the US, according to the CDC. March of Dimes remains committed to advocating for policies that support the health of moms and babies like the SHINE for Autumn Act (S. 2647/H.R. 5012), which aims to further address the issue of stillbirth by improving data collection and research. The legislation was recently passed by the House Energy and Commerce Committee and March of Dimes will continue to promote its passage in Congress as these legislative efforts represent a comprehensive approach to tackling one of the most heartbreaking challenges faced by families today. We urge all supporters of March of Dimes to write to Congress and let your legislators know that you want them to pass the SHINE for Autumn Act.
March of Dimes’ advocacy for these essential bills has included key initiatives that made these achievements possible, including our March for Change Federal Advocacy Summits and Cindy Pellegrini Maternal & Child Health Advocacy Days, as well as coalition advocacy on National Stillbirth Prevention Day, which all bring together advocates for mom and baby health with the goal to improve maternal and infant health policy.
About March of Dimes
March of Dimes leads the fight for the health of all moms and babies. We support research, lead programs and provide education and advocacy so that every family can get the best possible start. Since 1938, we’ve built a successful legacy to support every pregnant person and every family. To learn more about March of Dimes, please visit marchofdimes.org.