Each year, about one in ten infants are born prematurely in the United States and, during 2024, a total of 12,417 infants were born preterm in Pennsylvania. Higher preterm birth rates are often associated with factors such as low income, tobacco or drug use, prior preterm birth, and pregnancy during the teenage years. Experiencing a preterm birth can increase the risks of anxiety, postpartum depression, and other struggles for the mother and family, and infants born prematurely may face additional adverse health conditions over the course of their lives. Tragically, preterm birth remains among the leading causes of death for newborn infants.
 
It is imperative that all residents of this Commonwealth remain informed of the impact that preterm birth has on health outcomes for both infants and families. For that reason, I plan to introduce a resolution designating the month of November 2026 as “Prematurity Awareness Month” and November 17, 2026, as “Prematurity Awareness Day” in the Commonwealth.
 
Please join me in co-sponsoring this resolution to increase awareness of the global health issue of premature birth.