House committee reports resolution recognizing September 2025 as Infant Mortality Awareness Month

The Pennsylvania House Children and Youth Committee on Oct. 5, 2025, voted to report House Resolution 298, recognizing September 2025 as Infant Mortality Awareness Month in the commonwealth; the measure was reported out by a 24–1 vote. Representative Curry sponsored the nonbinding resolution and addressed the committee on disparities and leading causes of infant death.

Representative Curry told the committee, “In 2023, 6 out of every 1,000 babies born in our commonwealth died before their first birthday,” and said prematurity, preterm birth complications and sudden infant death syndrome were leading factors. Curry added, “Black infants in Pennsylvania are 3.2 times more likely to die from SIDS or complications related to pregnancy. And black mothers are twice as likely to receive late or no prenatal care.”

The resolution does not create a program or appropriate funds; supporters described it as an awareness and advocacy signal. Representative Day said she would support the resolution but expressed frustration that committee time was being used for resolutions while the state budget and other pressing matters remain unaddressed. Representative Barger announced she would vote no on all four resolutions the committee considered, saying, “I will be a no on each of the resolutions today...we need to be about the real work of getting this budget passed instead of...sending official well wishes.”

Committee chairs and members noted the topic’s policy relevance to health committees. No third-party opposition to the resolution was recorded in the committee summary; no formal direction to staff or follow-up assignments accompanied the vote. The resolution will move to the next stage of legislative processing as reported by the committee.

The vote tally recorded by the committee was 24 ayes and 1 nay. No amendments were offered during the committee discussion.