HR1156: HR1156 National Birth Defects Prevention Month; January of each year; recognize

This resolution does not change any Georgia law. Instead, it expresses the House of Representatives' position that January should be recognized each year as National Birth Defects Prevention Month, a designation meant to raise awareness about birth defects and steps people can take before and during pregnancy to support healthy outcomes. The resolution asks the Governor to issue an annual proclamation recognizing the month and calls on Georgians to mark it with appropriate programs and activities. It also directs the Clerk of the House to distribute copies of the resolution to the Governor and the public and press. It creates no funding, penalties, or legal requirements.

• Declares that the House of Representatives recognizes January of each year as National Birth Defects Prevention Month.
• Encourages continued education, awareness, and collaboration aimed at reducing preventable birth defects.
• Respectfully requests that the Governor issue an annual proclamation recognizing January as National Birth Defects Prevention Month in Georgia.
• Calls on the people of Georgia to observe the month with appropriate programs and activities.
• Directs the Clerk of the House of Representatives to distribute copies of the resolution to the Governor and the public and press.

The resolution mainly involves the Governor, who is asked to issue an annual proclamation, and the Clerk of the House, who must distribute copies. It also speaks broadly to expectant parents, healthcare providers, and the general public regarding birth defect awareness.

Because this is a resolution rather than a law, it does not create new rights, funding, or requirements. Its practical effect is symbolic: it publicizes birth defect prevention efforts and encourages the Governor and Georgians to mark the month with educational activities.

• The preamble states that birth defects affect about one in every 33 births in the United States and are a leading cause of infant illness, disability, and mortality.
• Paragraph (1) formally designates January of each year as National Birth Defects Prevention Month in the resolution's language.
• Paragraph (2) encourages ongoing education, awareness, and collaboration to reduce preventable birth defects.
• Paragraph (3) respectfully requests that the Governor annually proclaim January as National Birth Defects Prevention Month and calls on residents to observe it.
• A further resolved clause directs the Clerk of the House to distribute copies to Governor Brian Kemp and the public and press.

1. 2026-02-03House Second Readers (House)
2. 2026-02-02House First Readers (House)
3. 2026-01-29House Hopper (House)

• Sylvia Baker (D, HD-064)Primary sponsor
• Viola Davis (D, HD-087)
• Katie Dempsey (R, HD-013)
• Sandra Scott (D, HD-076)
• Patty Stinson (D, HD-150)
• Floyd Griffin (D, HD-149)

• birth defects
• maternal and infant health
• public health awareness
• pregnancy health