Washington, DC – Today, the bipartisan Problem Solvers Caucus (PSC) announced its endorsement for the Stillbirth Health Improvement and Education (SHINE) for Autumn Act (H.R. 5012), a bipartisan, bicameral bill led by U.S. Representative Young Kim (CA-40) that aims to prevent stillbirths in the United States.
This bipartisan bill would enhance stillbirth data collection, research, education, and awareness by creating the first comprehensive, federal-state partnership to reduce U.S. stillbirth rates.
Rep. Kim introduced the SHINE for Autumn Act with Reps. Kathy Castor (FL-14), Dave Joyce (OH-14), and Robin Kelly (IL-02) in the House last year. Senators Marco Rubio (R-FL) and Cory Booker (D-NJ) are leading the SHINE for Autumn Act in the Senate.
“Stillbirth affects 1 in 170 pregnancies, with over 21,000 babies born still every year in the U.S. As a mother and grandmother, I have experienced and witnessed firsthand the hardships of pregnancy and know how difficult it is for mothers and families to lose a baby. Through stillbirth research and education, we can raise awareness of this public health crisis and save lives,” said Rep. Kim, who serves as co-chair of the Maternity Care Caucus. “I’m thrilled the SHINE for Autumn Act is gaining momentum with the endorsement of the Problem Solvers Caucus and support of over 60 bipartisan cosponsors. I am proud to lead this commonsense bill and will keep fighting to get this across the finish line. I’ll always be an unwavering voice for women, moms, and families.”
“Over 20,000 babies are stillborn every year, and our government has not prioritized research and awareness around this tragic trend that affects families nationwide,” said Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01), co-chair of the Problem Solvers Caucus. “The bipartisan Stillbirth Health Improvement and Education (SHINE) for Autumn Act will boost education, awareness, and research around stillbirths through a federal-state partnership in hopes of reducing the amount of annual stillbirths.”
“This bipartisan, bicameral legislation is an important step to help women and their families avoid a tragedy. Almost one in four stillbirths are potentially preventable – this bill takes a commonsense approach to help states assess and prevent stillbirths with investments in key grants and research programs,” said Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-05), co-chair of the Problem Solvers Caucus. “I’m glad that the members of the Problem Solvers Caucus came together to endorse the bipartisan SHINE for Autumn Act.”
The SHINE for Autumn Act passed out of the House in the 117th Congress with overwhelming bipartisan support.
