Washington, DC – Today, U.S. Representative Young Kim (CA-40) was recognized as a Stillbirth Prevention Champion by Healthy Birth Day, Inc. for the Stillbirth Health Improvement and Education (SHINE) for Autumn Act (H.R. 5012), a bipartisan, bicameral bill Rep. Kim is leading to improve stillbirth research and awareness.
“Supporting women, babies, and families is personal to me after experiencing the difficulties of pregnancy firsthand and seeing my children face challenges as they start families of their own,” said Congresswoman Kim, who serves as co-chair of the bipartisan Maternity Care Caucus. “I’m humbled to receive the Stillbirth Prevention Champion Award from Healthy Birth Day, Inc. for leading the bipartisan SHINE for Autumn Act to improve education, research, and resources needed to reduce stillbirths and save lives. I’ll keep fighting for commonsense policies that improve the quality of and access to maternal care.”
“For the third year in a row, we pause to recognize the crisis of stillbirth in this country and celebrate progress on stillbirth prevention efforts. When Congress recognizes this important day, when buildings and bridges are lit up across the country, and moms and dads make their voices heard through OpEds and media interviews — progress happens and lives are saved,” said Emily Price, Healthy Birth Day, Inc. CEO. “We mourn the tens of thousands of babies who should be with their families right now and accelerate progress so no other family has to endure the tragedy of stillbirth.”
The SHINE for Autumn Act passed the House Energy and Commerce Health Subcommittee in March.
In addition to leading the SHINE for Autumn Act, Rep. Kim has been fighting for maternal health priorities as co-chair of the Maternity Care Caucus such as:
- Addressing nurse workforce shortages by introducing the bipartisan, bicameral National Nursing Workforce Center Act (H.R. 2411);
- Providing resources for domestic violence victims by introducing the bipartisan Family Violence Prevention and Services Improvement Act (H.R. 2604), which she also supported in the 117th Congress along with the Violence Against Women Act (H.R. 1620);
- Leading a letter to the Health Resources and Services Administration urging for updates on the effectiveness of the National Maternal Mental Health Hotline;
- Boosting outcomes for screening and treatment of maternal mental health and substance use disorders;
- Securing key maternity care priorities in the FY24 appropriations bill; and,
- Sounding the alarm on the maternity mortality crisis in the United States.
