Declare Birth Defects Prevention Month

Senate Resolution No. 170 BY: Senator RIVERA MEMORIALIZING Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim January 2019, as Birth Defects Prevention Month in the State of New York WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize official months that are set aside to increase awareness of serious health issues that affect the lives of citizens of New York State; and WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-standing traditions, it is the sense of this Legislative Body to memorializing Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim January 2019, as Birth Defects Prevention Month in the State of New York, in conjunction with the observance of National Birth Defects Prevention Month; and WHEREAS, Birth defects are common, costly, and critical; while many unknown factors play a role in birth defects occurrence, steps can be taken to help prevent or limit certain risks for birth defects, such as exposure to chemicals in the home or at work, use of alcohol and street drugs, a lack of folic acid in a woman's diet, lack of prenatal care, and infections during pregnancy; and WHEREAS, Every four and a half minutes, a baby in the United States is born with a birth defect; birth defects are a leading cause of death in the first year of life, causing one in every five infant deaths; and WHEREAS, These conditions lead to $2.6 billion per year in hospital costs alone in the United States; and WHEREAS, In New York State, over 7,000 infants are born each year with at least one birth defect; birth defects in New York account for about 379 infant deaths every year; and WHEREAS, Birth defects can occur in any family regardless of race, ethnicity, health history, economic status, or level of education; and WHEREAS, About half of all pregnancies are unplanned, contributing to late entry into prenatal care and presenting a barrier to optimal pregnancy management, particularly during the crucial first weeks of a baby's development; and WHEREAS, Early identification of a child with a birth defect coupled with early intervention services typically improves the child's quality of life and may even save his or her life; and WHEREAS, Taking steps to avoid infections during pregnancy can reduce the chance that a child is born with a birth defect; and WHEREAS, The National Birth Defects Prevention Network and CDC encourage parents-to-be to reduce the chance of developing an infection during pregnancy by observing the following guidelines: get vaccinated, prevent insect bites, and practice good hygiene; and WHEREAS, The good health and well-being of the people of the State of New York are enhanced by the support of a national effort to educate about preconception health and strategies to prevent birth defects; and WHEREAS, It is imperative that there be greater awareness of this serious health issue, and more must be done to increase activity at the local, State and National levels; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to memorializing Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim January 2019, as Birth Defects Prevention Month in the State of New York; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to The Honorable Andrew M. Cuomo, Governor of the State of New York.