Senator Cooney Passes "Lian's Law" - Honors Local Mom

(Albany / Rochester, NY) Senator Jeremy Cooney (Rochester-SD56) passed ‘Lian’s Law’ (S3474) which will increase access to maternal health education for preeclampsia, a pregnancy complication characterized by high blood pressure and stress on a mother’s organs which can be fatal for mothers.

“Increasing access to maternal health education around potential complications, like preeclampsia, will save lives through prevention and early detection,” said Senator Cooney.

“Lian’s Law raises awareness and honors a local advocate, supporter, and friend  - Lian Gravelle - who tragically died from the complications of preeclampsia at a very young age.”

Preeclampsia will be added to the list of health care matters included in the Department of Health's Health Care and Wellness Education and Outreach Program. If left untreated, preeclampsia can lead to organ damage, strokes or seizures, premature birth, and death.  

"Preeclampsia is a significant illness, which can present both prenatally and postpartum. The symptoms can be mild and nonspecific, and could be easily overlooked by new mothers," said Dr. Deborah Pierce from Highland Family Medicine and Brighton resident. "All new families will benefit from more education and counseling on this illness. I’m glad to see Lian’s Law enacted."

“We know that women from minority communities are 2-3x more likely to die from birth complications than white mothers. Lian wanted to make an impact on the most vulnerable and this legislation carries her spirit of impact and will save the lives of moms across the state,” concluded Senator Cooney.

Lian Gravelle was a young mother, attorney, resident of the Town of Greece. She was a passionate volunteer and advocate for maternal health. Lian died tragically at age 38, only six months after the birth of her twin boys, Charlie and Enzo, from complications due to preeclampsia.