Assembly Resolution No. 603

BY: M. of A. Slater

MEMORIALIZING Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim
November 17, 2023, as Prematurity Day in the State
of New York

WHEREAS, The March of Dimes Foundation is a pioneer in improving the
health of infants and women of childbearing age by preventing birth
defects, premature birth and infant mortality; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
memorialize Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim November 17, 2023, as
Prematurity Day in the State of New York, in conjunction with the
observance of World Prematurity Day; and

WHEREAS, World Prematurity Day was created on November 17, 2011, to
raise awareness for the millions of children every year who are born
prematurely; while technologies and medical procedures in America have
increased over the years, preterm babies still carry a huge
vulnerability to develop cerebral palsy, delays in development, hearing
problems, and sight problems; and

WHEREAS, Additionally, while neonatal death in the United States is
low in comparison to most of the world, premature births account for a
quarter of all neonatal deaths; and

WHEREAS, World Prematurity Day was created to shine a light on the
risk and hardships created by premature births, cost-effective and
proven solutions, and spreading compassion for families who have
experienced premature births; and

WHEREAS, Many premature babies grow up to completely healthy
individuals, with some even becoming notable public figures such as
Winston Churchill and Albert Einstein; and

WHEREAS, On November 17th, take a moment to show compassion and
support for families who are experiencing the anxiety of premature
births by observing World Prematurity Day, created by the March of
Dimes; and

WHEREAS, We all love our babies from the moment they are born; World
Prematurity Day reminds us of babies born too early and the health
challenges they can face as they grow up; and

WHEREAS, These little ones need loads of love and support and World
Prematurity Day is a chance to show it; and

WHEREAS, It is imperative that there be greater awareness of this
serious health issue, and more must be done to increase activity at the
local, State and National levels; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
memorialize Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim November 17, 2023, as
Prematurity Day in the State of New York; and be it further


RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to The Honorable Kathy Hochul, Governor of the State of New
York.