Today, U.S. Representatives Young Kim (CA-40) and Kathy Castor (FL-14) introduced the bipartisan SHINE for Autumn Act, a significant step towards improving stillbirth research and data collection in the United States.
This legislation aims to help prevent stillbirths, a tragic occurrence that affects 1 in 175 pregnancies according to the CDC, resulting in over 20,000 stillbirths each year.
The number of stillbirths in the U.S. significantly surpasses deaths among children aged 0-14 years from accidents, preterm birth, Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), drownings, fire, and flu combined.
As a mother and grandmother, Rep. Young Kim is intimately aware of both the joy of pregnancy and the pain of loss, making her advocacy for this cause deeply personal.
She emphasized the need for the SHINE for Autumn Act, stating, “Far too many families in our nation experience the heartbreak of stillbirth, yet this enduring crisis remains overlooked and underfunded.”
The aim of the legislation is to provide tools to better understand, prevent, and respond to stillbirths, while supporting affected families.
Rep. Kathy Castor echoed this sentiment, highlighting the devastating impact of stillbirths on families.
She stated, “Too many families are suffering from the heartbreak of losing a baby to stillbirth, and it’s past time for Congress to step up and provide tools to save mothers and babies.”
Castor further emphasized that barriers in data collection impede progress in understanding stillbirth, estimating that nearly one in four stillbirths could be prevented.
She is proud to collaborate with bipartisan colleagues, including Reps. Kim, Kelly, and Joyce, alongside Sens. Booker and Daines, in reintroducing this important piece of legislation.
Rep. David Joyce (OH-14) pointed out the failure of the U.S. healthcare system to make significant advancements in stillbirth research despite high health care spending per capita.
He remarked, “Congress must step up to prevent this avoidable loss of life. This legislation marks a long-overdue step forward in addressing stillbirths, advancing maternal and infant health, and ensuring the United States catches up to where it should be in prioritizing this critical issue.”
Rep. Robin Kelly, co-chair of the bipartisan Maternity Care Caucus, described stillbirth as a deeply painful experience for families and expressed gratitude for advocates like Debbie Haine Vijayvergiya, who have transformed personal pain into action.
Kelly expressed a commitment to delivering healthy pregnancies and lives for every mother and baby.
Rep. Zach Nunn (IA-03) also shared his perspective as a father, stating, “As a dad of six, I can’t imagine the pain of losing a child and I believe parents deserve better.”
He described the bill as a commonsense approach that brings together states and healthcare providers to address research gaps and improve data collection, ultimately working towards prevention.
Senator Steve Daines (R-MT), who is leading a companion bill in the Senate, underscored that stillbirth is a tragedy impacting thousands of families annually, calling for expanded research, education, and data collection in the area of stillbirths.
He expressed hope that the collaboration could lead to saved lives and offered encouragement to families affected by stillbirth.
Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ), co-leading the Senate companion bill with Daines, also voiced the urgency of addressing the maternal and infant health crisis that leads to numerous families experiencing this loss each year.
He stated, “Nobody should have to experience the immense sorrow of losing a baby,” pointing to the necessity for increased data collection and public awareness surrounding stillbirths as essential steps in preventing this crisis.
The SHINE for Autumn Act focuses on bridging critical gaps in stillbirth research and education by implementing the following measures:
– Providing grants to states aimed at fostering consistent, secure data collection, assessment, and reporting regarding stillbirth and associated risk factors.
– Strengthening privacy protections to safeguard sensitive health data.
– Directing the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), in cooperation with healthcare providers, to develop best practices and educational materials for state health departments on stillbirth data collection and prevention strategies.
In honor of Autumn Joy, who was born still on July 8, 2011, this act is named to honor her memory and highlight the advocacy work of her mother, Debbie Haine Vijayvergiya.
For over a decade, Vijayvergiya has devoted herself to giving a voice to the stillbirth community and fighting for families affected by this silent tragedy.
image source from：youngkim
