PRINTER'S NO. 1953
THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA
HOUSE RESOLUTION
No.
195
Session of
2023
INTRODUCED BY KINSEY, FLICK, MADDEN, McNEILL, HILL-EVANS,
HANBIDGE, BERNSTINE, CEPEDA-FREYTIZ, SCHLOSSBERG, HOWARD AND
SANCHEZ, AUGUST 30, 2023
REFERRED TO COMMITTEE ON HEALTH, AUGUST 30, 2023
A RESOLUTION
Recognizing the month of October 2023 as "Spina Bifida Awareness
Month" in Pennsylvania.
WHEREAS, Spina bifida is a permanently disabling birth defect
in which an area of the spinal column does not properly form and
leaves a section of the spinal cord and nerves exposed in the
back; and
WHEREAS, Neural tube defects such as spina bifida are the
most common central nervous system birth defect, affecting
approximately 1,600 babies born each year in the United States;
and
WHEREAS, Spina bifida varies from person to person and can
lead to many impairments, including partial paralysis, bladder
and bowel disorders, allergies, learning disorders and social
issues; and
WHEREAS, The exact cause of spina bifida is unknown, but it
is suspected to be the result of genetic, nutritional and
environmental factors; and
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WHEREAS, Spina bifida can be diagnosed in prenatal tests and
screenings, but, in some cases, might not be diagnosed until
after the baby is born; and
WHEREAS, Studies have shown that women who add folic acid
into their diets significantly reduce the risk of having a child
with spina bifida; and
WHEREAS, It is therefore recommended that women who are
pregnant or could get pregnant consume 400 micrograms of folic
acid daily; and
WHEREAS, There is no cure for spina bifida, and babies with
this condition often undergo surgery either in the womb or
shortly after birth to close the defect and minimize the risk of
infection; and
WHEREAS, Each person with spina bifida faces many different
challenges and may require different treatments; and
WHEREAS, With help, children born with spina bifida can lead
very active and full lives; and
WHEREAS, The Spina Bifida Association actively engages in
advocacy and education efforts to raise national awareness of
spina bifida and enhance the lives of children and adults
affected by this birth defect; and
WHEREAS, "Spina Bifida Awareness Month" increases public
awareness of this birth defect, acknowledges initiatives to
further understand this condition and celebrates the 166,000
Americans who live with the challenges of spina bifida;
therefore be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives recognize the
month of October 2023 as "Spina Bifida Awareness Month" in
Pennsylvania.
20230HR0195PN1953 - 2 -
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