Rep. Holmes Announces Signing of Legislation Designating Stillbirth Prevention Day

State Representatives Adam Holmes (R-Nashport) and Cecil Thomas (D-Cincinnati) today announced the signing of House Bill 4 into law. The legislation designates September 19th as Stillbirth Prevention Day in Ohio.

The bill aims to educate Ohioans on the issue of stillbirth and better target healthcare resources to expecting mothers.

“I am so honored to help increase advocacy around such a critical issue in our society, and I hope it will raise awareness of the pricelessness of every human life,” said Rep. Holmes. 

“To the families who have experienced the unimaginable pain of stillbirth, this bill is the state’s recognition of your loss and a symbol of our ongoing commitment to prevention,” said Rep. Thomas. “We stand with you, and we will continue working to ensure no other family has to endure this heartbreak.”

House Bill 4 received unanimous, bipartisan support in both chambers of the Ohio General Assembly, underscoring the shared commitment to addressing and preventing stillbirths across the state.

According to the Center for Disease Control, in the United States, 1 in 175 births are affected by stillbirth each year, amounting to approximately 21,000 stillbirths annually. In 2021, 760 babies were lost to stillbirth in Ohio, surpassing the national average.