What's happening
This resolution urges Governor Cuomo to declare October 2019 as Spina Bifida Awareness Month in New York State.
Why it matters
Highlights the significant public health and financial impact. of spina bifida, noting the much higher medical costs for affected children and adults, and the substantial lifetime societal costs per case.
Emphasizes the role of prevention through folic acid. , pointing to research that daily folic acid intake by women of child-bearing age can greatly reduce the risk of neural tube defects like spina bifida.
Draws attention to the need for awareness and education. , especially given the high rate of unplanned pregnancies in New York and the potential for public health campaigns to inform women about preventive steps.
Seeks to reduce stigma and promote inclusion. by reminding the public that people with spina bifida lead full lives, and that raising awareness supports both prevention and better support for those living with the condition.
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Make October Spina Bifida Month
Plain English, a few words. Used as the page title.
Sponsors
No co-sponsors yet.
History
- Adopted
- Reported to calendar for consideration
- Referred to finance
Full text
1 pageUnderlined is new[Struck] is removedOfficial text on nysenate.gov ↗
Senate Resolution No. 263 BY: Senator RIVERA MEMORIALIZING Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim October 2019, as Spina Bifida Awareness Month in the State of New York WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize official months dedicated to… Show allHide
Senate Resolution No. 263 BY: Senator RIVERA MEMORIALIZING Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim October 2019, as Spina Bifida Awareness Month in the State of New York WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize official months dedicated to raising awareness of serious illnesses impacting the lives of citizens of New York State; and WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to memorialize Governor Andrew Cuomo to proclaim October 2019, as Spina Bifida Awareness Month in the State of New York, in conjunction with the observance of National Spina Bifida Awareness Month; and WHEREAS, Spina bifida, which occurs when the spine of the baby fails to close and a lesion on the spinal column is created, is the most common permanently disabling birth defect in the United States; an average of eight babies every day are born with spina bifida or a similar defect of the brain and spine; and WHEREAS, Spina bifida happens during the first month of pregnancy when the spinal column and brain, or neural tube, is formed; the openings, or lesions, in the spinal column end up causing damage in the spinal column and result in some degree of paralysis; and WHEREAS, There are many New Yorkers living with spina bifida for whom health and support services are critical to their well-being and improving their quality of life; and WHEREAS, Children born with spina bifida have medical expenditures that are 13 times greater than those of the average child without spina bifida; adults with spina bifida have average medical expenditures that are three to six times greater than those of adults without spina bifida; and WHEREAS, The average total lifetime cost to society for many infants born with spina bifida may well exceed one million dollars; and WHEREAS, Studies have shown that taking folic acid decreases the risk for neural tube defects during pregnancy; and WHEREAS, Approximately 55% of all pregnancies in New York State are unplanned; folic acid education can help women of child-bearing age understand the benefits of taking a daily multivitamin to avoid these birth defects; and WHEREAS, Experts recommend that all women of child-bearing age in the United States who are capable of becoming pregnant should consume
400 micrograms of folic acid per day for the purpose of reducing their risk of having a pregnancy affected with spina bifida; and WHEREAS, The prevalence of spina bifida among children from birth to
years of age declined by 1.4% annually from 1991 to 2002, with a
consistent reduction each year due to folic acid fortification of the
food supply; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize Spina
Bifida Awareness Month in the State of New York to raise awareness
regarding the challenges of living with spina bifida and the steps that
can be taken to prevent spina bifida; it is the hope that this month of
awareness will also remind all New Yorkers that people with spina bifida
are not defined by their condition, they are people with careers,
families, and children, just like so many people without spina bifida;
now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
memorialize Governor Andrew Cuomo to proclaim October 2019, as Spina
Bifida Awareness Month in the State of New York; and be it further
RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to The Honorable Andrew Cuomo, Governor of the State of New
York; and the Spina Bifida Association of Northeastern New York.
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