Booker, Merkley, Grassley, Hinson, and Adams Lead Bipartisan Push for Stillbirth Prevention and Awareness

WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) joined U.S. Senators Jeff Merkley (D-OR) and Chuck Grassley (R-IA) and U.S. Representatives Ashley Hinson (R-IA-02) and Alma S. Adams, Ph.D. (D-NC-12) in introducing a bipartisan, bicameral resolution recognizing September 19, 2026, as National Stillbirth Prevention and Awareness Day. Nearly one-fourth of stillbirths are potentially preventable, and the resolution underscores the need to advance evidence-based stillbirth prevention efforts across the United States.

"Every year, more than 20,000 families in the United States experience a stillbirth, and too many of these losses may be preventable," said Senator Booker. "Losing a baby to stillbirth is devastating, and on National Stillbirth Prevention and Awareness Day, we stand with the families who have experienced this profound loss and recommit ourselves to preventing stillbirth wherever possible. By investing in research, improving data collection, raising awareness, and strengthening access to high-quality maternal health care, we can better understand the causes of stillbirth, reduce preventable losses, and support healthier pregnancies."

"No family should have to endure the heartbreak of a stillbirth. While states like Iowa have made progress at reducing stillbirths, there's still much more to be done to strengthen maternal healthcare, especially in rural areas, to help prevent these tragedies. Our bipartisan resolution raises awareness and promotes research to help target contributing factors and save babies' lives," said Senator Grassley.

"Every parent who experiences a stillbirth deserves support and clear action. Stillbirth remains a heartbreaking and preventable public health crisis, with Black, Native, and Hispanic families facing disproportionately high rates of loss," said Senator Merkley. "Getting my Maternal and Child Health Stillbirth Prevention Act signed into law was an important first step, but we cannot let up. This National Stillbirth Prevention and Awareness Day, we must keep pushing for necessary action to save lives and spare families this devastating loss."

"Improving prenatal education and access to maternal care-especially in rural areas where women may travel over an hour to see a provider-is critical to protecting babies and reducing maternal deaths. Getting my Maternal and Child Health Stillbirth Prevention Act signed into law was a major step, but more must be done to support expecting moms and prevent stillbirths. I'm proud to reintroduce this resolution recognizing September 19th as National Stillbirth Prevention and Awareness Day and will continue working across the aisle to end the tragedy of stillbirth," said Representative Hinson.

Senator Booker also leads, with Senator Merkley, the Stillbirth Health Improvement and Education (SHINE) for Autumn Act, which would improve data collection, research, education, and public awareness around stillbirth.

According to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data, one out of every 183 U.S. births, more than 20,000 per year, results in a stillbirth. That is more than the number of babies who die during their first year of life. Parents who experience stillbirth also face an increased risk of severe maternal morbidity, depression, and mortality.

"Nearly five thousand babies' lives could be saved annually through greater focus on stillbirth prevention efforts. National Stillbirth Prevention & Awareness Day is an opportunity to address the urgent stillbirth crisis in the U.S. and share free resources and tools like Count the Kicks which are saving lives. Our message to the country: it doesn't have to be this way," said Emily Price, CEO, Healthy Birth Day, Inc.

"The Association of Women's Health, Obstetric and Neonatal Nurses applauds Senator Jeff Merkley for introducing the National Stillbirth Prevention and Awareness Day Resolution and for elevating awareness of an issue that affects thousands of families across the United States each year. Stillbirth is a devastating loss with lasting emotional, physical, and psychological impacts on parents, families, and communities. While not all stillbirths can be prevented, research continues to demonstrate that increased awareness, equitable access to high-quality prenatal care, evidence-based clinical practices, and timely recognition of warning signs can help reduce the risk of preventable stillbirths. This resolution helps shine a spotlight on the urgent need to strengthen prevention efforts, support families who have experienced loss, and address persistent disparities in maternal and infant health," said Elizabeth A. McIntire, MSN, RN, WHNP-BC, C-EFM, President, Association of Women's Health, Obstetric and Neonatal Nurses.

"Every year, thousands of families experience the devastating loss of a stillborn baby with lasting impacts on mom and her health," said Stacey Y. Brayboy, Senior Vice President of Public Policy & Government Affairs, March of Dimes. "Yet, research shows that many stillbirths are potentially preventable. We must do more to support moms, protect babies, and care for their families. March of Dimes is proud to endorse the National Stillbirth Prevention and Awareness Day Resolution and urges action to advance research, strengthen prevention, address maternal health risks, and ensure families have access to the care and resources they need."

In 2024, the bipartisan Maternal and Child Health Stillbirth Prevention Act, led by Senator Merkley in the Senate and Representatives Hinson and Adams in the House, was signed into law to help save the lives of mothers and babies across America.

Read the full text of the resolution here.