Good news for CBRS bill

Assemblywoman Patricia Eddington (D-Suffolk) has won her local town clerk (Brookhaven, NY) position so she will be stepping down from the assembly.

There will be a special assembly election to fill her seat ~ date announced later this year.

We are hopeful that it will be won by someone who will support the CBRS bill.

One less NO vote for us!

Remember...October 15th

Today is the day we remember, together.

October 15th.

We light a candle.

We think about the past.

We cry for the future that is not.

Make a promise today. On this day...next year...we will all have a Certificate in our hands.

Naomi Wolf Supports CBRS

Naomi Wolf - an advocate of feminist causes and progressive politics - has just posted a piece on whether parents should be entitled to a Certificate of Birth Resulting in Stillbirth.

Check out the discussion and add your own comments:

Facebook: Naomi Wolf

This is a huge accomplishment for the NY CBRS bill.

October 15th Memorial Video

*Update: YouTube links below. (10/13/09)

*Update: Response was overwhelming. Video should be posted soon.(10/3/09)

October15th.com is putting together a memorial video of all of our babies in remembrance of Pregnancy and Infant Loss Day on October 15, 2009.

If you would like to include your child in the video, email Audra Leighton:

1. photo or ultrasound of your baby(ies) or special graphic

2. Baby's name

3. Birth/death date

Send the information by September 29, 2009.

The video will be posted on YouTube, FaceBook, October 15 web site.... everywhere imaginable.

For all of our Children....

Part 1 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t6IYnmKy0-w
Part 2 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VWgIGglnx7E
Part 3 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xpUzmdTdmdQ
Part 4 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_trURzP_dDU
Part 5 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Sk01MOQTr8
Part 6 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Do5fovnmKcY

CBRS - Fight not over

The legislative session this year was the most frustrating and oddest we have experienced to date.

As soon as it begun in January, the door was closed. Even through the hard work of parents across NY, who were able to secure more Assembly sponsors and yes votes - for a total of 123 out of 150 members. It was clear the bill would not be moving out of the Assembly Ways & Means committee. In addition, the lack of movement in Senate House was unexpected and given the recent unstable climate in there, 2009 just wasn't our year.

We will be working on a new approach for the 2010 legislative session. We hope all of you will join us and help to pass the CBRS bill.

If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to contact me at anytime. We welcome suggestions, ideas or contacts you may have made.

We will continue to update everyone. Thank you for your support!

Legislation from First Candle

Important Stillbirth legislation has been introduced on July 14, 2009.

The Stillbirth and SUID Prevention, Education and Awareness Act of 2009 was filed by US Senator Lautenberg (NJ) and US House Representative Pallone (NJ).

This bill would help reduce the number of unexpected infant deaths in America by calling for new research and education on stillbirths and Sudden Unexpected Infant Death (SUID).

With your help, the passing of this new law would expand current data collection activities and create a public awareness and education campaign. Both items will have a compounding effect on medical advances and how Stillbirth is viewed by the public.

How can you help?

1. Contact New York State's US House Representative: www.house.gov. BILL HR3212
   
   There are 29 members in the House. One member represents the district you reside in. Look up your zip+4 and enter it in the upper left corner.
   
   
2. Contact New York State's TWO US Senators: BILL S1445

Kirsten Gillibrand -- http://gillibrand.senate.gov/contact/
Charles Schumer -- http://schumer.senate.gov/new_website/contact.cfm


Email, mail or call them. Visit www.firstcandle.com for a sample letter or simply relay this brief message:

I am writing to ask for your support and co-sponsorship of the Stillbirth and SUID Prevention, Education, and Awareness Act of 2009 (Lautenberg/Pallone). Bills HR3212 and S1445 would help reduce the number of unexpected infant deaths in America by calling for new research and education on stillbirths and Sudden Unexpected Infant Death (SUID). Every year, there are more than 25,000 stillbirths and more than 4,600 sudden unexpected infant deaths in the United States.

This bill is important to me [include brief personal story].

Please support New York State parents and co-sponsor this important piece of legislature.

Sincerely,
Name, Address, Phone, Email

When you receive a response, contact First Candle or Email Me and I will gladly relay the message to First Candle.

It is our hope that this US Legislation will help further the passage of the Certificate of Birth Resulting in Stillbirth bill here in NY.

Senate Bill #S1445

House Bill #HR3212

A way for your voice to be heard....

First Candle is working hard to get the Stillbirth Awareness & Research Act bill passed in Washington, DC. One section of the bill recommends that states pass the Certificate of Birth Resulting in Stillbirth bill.

On March 25th, bereaved parents and other infant health advocates from around the country will be coming together on Capitol Hill to lobby for important legislation related to stillbirth, SIDS and SUID (sudden unexpected infant death.) They want your help in creating a Baby Memorial Album which will leave a lasting reminder to Congress why these bills are important.

To add your child's name and/or picture, visit http://www.firstcandle.org/our-babies.

Submission deadline is March 10th.