Designating September 2025 as National Infant Mortality Awareness Month, raising awareness of infant mortality, and increasing efforts to reduce infant mortality.
Summary
This Senate Resolution designates September 2025 as "National Infant Mortality Awareness Month." It aims to raise awareness and increase efforts to reduce infant mortality in the United States. The resolution acknowledges the US's relatively high infant mortality rate compared to other developed countries and highlights disparities among different communities.
Expected Effects
The resolution's primary effect is to focus national attention on infant mortality. This could lead to increased funding and support for programs aimed at improving maternal and infant health. It also encourages partnerships between the Department of Health and Human Services, educational institutions, and states.
Potential Benefits
- Increased awareness of infant mortality and its causes.
- Potential for increased funding for community-based services.
- Improved data collection and monitoring of preterm birth rates.
- Strengthened support for programs like the Maternal and Child Health Bureau Healthy Start program.
- Encouragement for partnerships to improve maternal and infant health initiatives.
Potential Disadvantages
- The resolution itself does not allocate any specific funding, relying on existing programs and future actions.
- The impact depends on the willingness of the Department of Health and Human Services, educational institutions, and states to act.
- The resolution's effectiveness is limited to awareness and encouragement, without mandates for change.
- Potential for the month to become a symbolic gesture without tangible outcomes.
- No direct impact on addressing the root causes of poverty and inequality that contribute to infant mortality.
Constitutional Alignment
The resolution aligns with the Constitution's broad mandate to "promote the general Welfare," as stated in the Preamble. While the Constitution does not explicitly address healthcare or infant mortality, this resolution falls under Congress's implied powers to address issues of national concern. It also aligns with the Tenth Amendment, as health initiatives are typically a state matter, and this resolution encourages partnerships with states.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).