Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, or SIDS, accounts for 3,000 infant deaths in the U.S. each year, including approximately 100 in Pennsylvania.

The sudden and unexpected death of an infant is one of the most tragic events that a new family could experience, and ranks as the third-most common cause of death in a baby's first year of life. We can reduce the number of these tragedies by educating new parents of the risks of SIDS and SUDI (Sudden Unexpected Death of Infants).

My H.B. 47, which the House passed in June and is now before the state Senate for consideration, would establish a Sudden Infant Death Syndrome Education and Prevention Program in the Pennsylvania Department of Health.

The program would require hospitals, birthing centers and nurse midwives to provide new parents with easy-to-understand educational and instructional materials regarding SIDS, explaining its causes and preventive measures, including safe sleeping practices.

I invite you to contact your state senator and ask for swift passage of this legislation that could save the lives of many babies.

I also invite you to visit the SIDS of Pennsylvania Web site for more information on how to reduce the risk of SIDS and SUDI.

Sign My Petition

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