HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 28
(By Delegate Perdue)
Promoting the West Virginia Perinatal Wellness Study with regard to
the health of all pregnant women within West Virginia.
Whereas, There has been an increase in both the number of
low-birth weight babies as well as the number of West Virginia
infants who die in the first year of life; and
Whereas, West Virginia ranks well below other states and the
national average concerning child well-being indicators of the
first year of life mortality and low-birth weight; and
Whereas, Using tobacco products during pregnancy is one of the
leading associated risk factors for low-birth weight and for infant
mortality, a 2003 study revealed that over twenty six percent of
West Virginia pregnant women used tobacco during pregnancy; and
Whereas, Thirty four percent of all infant deaths in two
thousand three were attributed to infants whose mothers used
tobacco products; and
Whereas, Many stakeholder organizations have collaborated to
increase public awareness and to address the issues involving
causes of poor birth outcomes in West Virginia; and
Whereas, The goal of these stakeholders and the West Virginia Perinatal Wellness Study is to increase the awareness of
legislators, administrators, policymakers, and the public with
regard to public policy issues that are essential to improving
pregnancy outcomes within West Virginia; therefore, be it
Resolved by the House of Delegates:
That the House hereby promotes the "West Virginia Perinatal
Wellness" study and that the House affirms its commitment to
encouraging all West Virginians to promote the health of all
pregnant women within the State of West Virginia; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the Clerk Of the House of Delegates,
forward a certified copy of this resolution to the Governor and the
Senate.