National Stillbirth Prevention Day was first recognized by Congress on Sept. 19, 2022. This day of awareness honors the tens of thousands of American families who lose a baby to stillbirth every year.
Source: https://healthybirthday.org/advocacy/national-stillbirth-prevention-day/
Read the Resolution Stillbirth Prevention Day
In the United States, stillbirth is when a baby dies in the womb after 20 weeks of pregnancy. Stillbirth is different from miscarriage, which is usually defined as the loss of a baby before the 20th week of pregnancy.
Facts
- Stillbirth affects about 1 in 175 births, and each year about 21,000 babies are stillborn in the United States
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Stillbirth occurs in families of all races, ethnicities, and income levels, and to women of all ages. However, stillbirths do occur more often in women in certain racial or ethnic groups.
- In 2021, stillbirth occurred among non-Hispanic Black women two times more often than non-Hispanic Asian or Pacific Islander and White women.
Source: Data and Statistics on Stillbirth/ CDC
The Maternal and Child Health Stillbirth Prevention Act of 2024
The Maternal and Child Health Stillbirth Prevention Act, signed on July 12, 2024, adds stillbirth and stillbirth prevention to Title V of the Social Security Act.
Resources:
Count the Kicks is an evidence-based stillbirth prevention program that provides educational resources to healthcare providers and expectant parents.
The Compassionate Friends is a support organization of and for families that have lost a child.
International Stillbirth Alliance
The International Stillbirth Alliance promotes a global collaboration in the prevention of stillbirth and provides care for parents who have experienced a loss. It supplies resources for families, healthcare providers and researchers.
March of Dimes is dedicated to improving the health of babies by preventing birth defects, premature birth and infant mortality. The March of Dimes supplies information, resources and fact sheets on stillbirth.
The MISS Foundation supplies ongoing support to grieving families. The foundation also supports research and education programs. Find support groups in your area, register for the newsletter, and meet other families via the MISS forums.
Share Pregnancy and Infant Loss Support
Share Pregnancy and Infant Loss Support aims to serve those whose lives are touched by the tragic death of a baby through pregnancy loss or stillbirth, or in the first few months of life. Share supplies resources, information and education.
The Star Legacy Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to stillbirth research and education. The foundation consists of a community of parents, families and friends of those who have experienced loss. The Star Legacy Foundation's mission is to increase awareness, support research, promote education, and encourage family advocacy.
Questions?
Please contact Viviana Quinones-Fabre at vquinonesfabre@health.in.gov. I am happy to help with any questions you may have!