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Senate names September 19 as Ohio Stillbirth Prevention Day in unanimous vote
Summary
The Ohio Senate unanimously passed House Bill 4 to designate Sept. 19 as Ohio Stillbirth Prevention Day after sponsors and advocates described stillbirth rates and racial disparities in fetal mortality.
The Ohio Senate on Tuesday approved House Bill 4, creating Ohio Stillbirth Prevention Day on Sept. 19, after senators described state fetal mortality figures and urged the chamber to raise awareness.
Senator Brenner, who described his work continuing legislation started by former Senator Stephanie Coonsie, told colleagues the measure honors families who have experienced stillbirth and "lends awareness to all the individuals and families, that face the challenge of overcoming a loss of this magnitude." He encouraged senators to vote yes on House Bill 4.
On the floor, sponsors cited statistics from the Ohio Department of Health and other sources: Senator Brenner said stillbirth "occurs approximately 1 in 160 deliveries in The United States," and he noted that in 2019 there were 850 fetal deaths in Ohio with a fetal mortality rate of 6.3. Senator Craig added that 2020 data show 745 stillbirths in Ohio, which he summarized as "about 6 babies in every thousand births," and he emphasized that Black women are nearly twice as likely to experience stillbirth.
Senators acknowledged the bill’s purpose is principally symbolic: sponsors and advocates said the designated day will bring attention to stillbirth prevention so families can work with providers, including doctors, nurses, midwives and doulas. Senator Brenner thanked House sponsors and the Health Committee, and Senator Craig urged support on the measure.
The bill passed on a roll call of 33 yeas and 0 nays and was entitled on the Senate floor.
