Assemblymember Rodneyse Bichotte (D-Flatbush, Ditmas Park) yesterday led a group of lawmakers and advocates on the steps of City Hall to highlight legislation she introduced with State Sen. Leroy Comrie (D-Queens) (A3375/S2810) to establish a standard protocol in the manner in which healthcare facilities communicate with a mother and family regarding a stillbirth and the care that follows, as well as the collection of data to documents such cases.
The measure and related legislation came as Oct. 15 marks Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day, a day to reflect an honor the precious young lives lost due to a number of reasons such as miscarriage, stillbirth, birth defects, Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), and other health complications.
In fact, former President Ronald Reagan in 1988, declared October, Pregnancy and Infant Loss Month as a time for individuals to learn about the issues surrounding infant and pregnancy loss, know how to provide support when needed and even how to seek support when affected.
“This month and this day are so important because of the awareness provided to many women and men who would have otherwise gone unknowing. Public awareness can spark the start of research for a more informed expectant mother,” said Bichotte.
“This is a time carved out for families impacted by loss to share their experience and the for organization and health agencies to bring awareness to others, educating them in the hopes of reducing the loss of our children,” she added.
Bichotte note that roughly 15% to 20% of all pregnancies end in miscarriages, and the majority of all miscarriages are due to chromosome issues – not controlled by the mother. A mother understanding when a loss was not due to any actions within her control will help to overcome the grief of loss, she said.
In the United States, the infant mortality rate is at 5.8 per 1000 live births. While not nearly close to the highest in the world, it is too high for every person that has experienced a loss. In particular, the mortality rate tops the charts for the Non-Hispanic Black race with 11.4 per 1000 live births, more than two-times the rate of Non-Hispanic Whites (4.9 per 1000).
The most common cause of infant loss is birth defects, pre-term labor (and low birth weight), and SIDS. Racial disparity impact is prevalent in infant mortality. Contributing factors include socioeconomic status, education, access to healthcare and social services.
Bichotte has also introduced (A2770A), known as the Jonah Bichotte Cowan Law, which addresses the need for information sharing by healthcare facilities to mothers regarding potential health effects of pre-term labor and delivery as well as insurance coverage related to pre-term labor.
Further legislation on the issue includes (A7468/S3709), which would provide a tax credit to certain taxpayers who suffer the birth of a stillborn child.
“Losing a child at any stage of life is one of the most devastating experiences that a family, and especially a mother, can ever face. Today we recognize mothers and families who’ve lost children and stand with each other in support hope for a healthier future. As a mother, my heart extends to all those hurting from loss, and I stand with you today to remind you that you are not alone,” said City Council Majority Leader Laurie A. Cumbo (D-Fort Greene, Clinton Hill, Prospect Heights, Crown Heights).
Advocates for the legislation aid resources are essential when faced with such a devastating encounter. Every option to seek support should be a phone call away. Access to resources is the bridge between the period of despair and sanity, the said.
“I want to extend my support and prayers to all who have lost a child during pregnancy. I hear your stories, share your pain, and hold all of your loved ones, gone too soon, in my heart. Lawmakers, activists and advocates have made tremendous strides in closing the racial gap in infant mortality and pregnancy loss— but we use today as a reminder that we still have much to do if we want to give our kids a fighting chance,” said City Council Member Farah Louis (D-East Flatbush, Flatbush, Flatlands, Marine Park, Midwood).
