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

26 LC 64 0037 House Resolution 1156 By: Representatives Baker of the 64 th, Davis of the 87th, Dempsey of the 13th, Scott of the 76th, Stinson of the 150th, and others A RESOLUTION Recognizing January as National Birth Defects Prevention Month; and for other purposes.1 WHEREAS, birth defects are structural or functional abnormalities present at birth that can2 affect health, development, or survival; and3 WHEREAS, birth defects affect approximately one in every 33 births in the United States4 and are a leading cause of infant illness, disability, and mortality; and5 WHEREAS, many birth defects can be prevented or their impact reduced through education,6 preventive care, and access to healthcare services; and7 WHEREAS, National Birth Defects Prevention Month, observed annu ally in January,8 promotes awareness of steps individuals can take before and dur ing pregnancy to support9 healthy outcomes; and 10 WHEREAS, increased awareness strengthens prevention efforts and improves the health of11 mothers and infants across Georgia.12 H. R. 1156 - 1 - 26 LC 64 0037 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES that13 the members of this body:14 (1) Recognize the month of January of each year as National Birth Defects Prevention15 Month;16 (2) Encourage continued education, awareness, and collaboration to reduce the incidence17 of preventable birth defects; and18 (3) Respectfully request the Governor to issue annually a proclamation recognizing the19 month of January in the State of Georgia as National Birth Defects Prevention Month and20 call upon the people in the State of Georgia to observe the mon th with appropriate21 programs and activities.22 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Clerk of the House of Representatives is authorized23 and directed to make appropriate copies of this resolution avai lable for distribution to24 Governor Brian Kemp and the public and the press.25 H. R. 1156 - 2 -