HR 472: Support for families affected by premature births; commend

This is a resolution, not a law that changes the Georgia Code. It states the Georgia House of Representatives' support for families dealing with the effects of preterm birth, defined in the text as birth before 37 weeks of gestation. The resolution describes the health risks to premature infants, the emotional and financial strain on families, and the need for better prenatal and neonatal care, mental health resources, and public awareness. It resolves that House members support families affected by premature births and support efforts to improve medical care, financial assistance, and mental health resources for them. It also directs the Clerk of the House to make copies available to the public and press.

• Formally states that the House of Representatives supports families affected by premature births.
• Expresses support for efforts and initiatives to improve medical care, financial assistance, and mental health resources for these families.
• Directs the Clerk of the House to prepare and distribute copies of the resolution to the public and press.
• Does not create any new law, funding, program, or requirement; it is a statement of support rather than a change to the Georgia Code.

Families of premature infants, particularly mothers dealing with related mental health challenges, are the focus of the resolution's support. It also involves the Clerk of the House, who must distribute copies of the resolution to the public and press.

Because this is a resolution rather than a bill amending Georgia law, it does not create new funding, programs, or legal requirements. Its practical effect is a public, official statement acknowledging the struggles of families with premature infants.

• The whereas clauses describe preterm birth's health risks, rising incidence, and the emotional, psychological, and financial toll on families.
• The resolving clause states House members' support for families affected by premature births and for related medical, financial, and mental health initiatives.
• A further resolution directs the Clerk of the House to make copies available for distribution to the public and the press.

1. 2025-03-03House Read and Adopted (House)
2. 2025-03-03House First Readers (House)
3. 2025-03-03House Hopper (House)

• Carl Gilliard (D, HD-162)Primary sponsor
• Karlton Howard (D, HD-129)
• Viola Davis (D, HD-87)
• Sandra Scott (D, HD-76)
• Edna Jackson (D, HD-165)

• premature births
• maternal and infant health
• mental health
• public health awareness