Certificate of Birth Resulting in Stillbirth Bill

Good news for CBRS bill

noreply@blogger.com (NEW YORK CBRS BILL) — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 21:15:00 +0000

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

noreply@blogger.com (NEW YORK CBRS BILL) — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 04:01:00 +0000

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

noreply@blogger.com (NEW YORK CBRS BILL) — Sun, 27 Sep 2009 19:55:00 +0000

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

noreply@blogger.com (NEW YORK CBRS BILL) — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 14:04:00 +0000

*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

noreply@blogger.com (NEW YORK CBRS BILL) — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 15:47:00 +0000

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

noreply@blogger.com (NEW YORK CBRS BILL) — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 14:21:00 +0000

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?

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.
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....

noreply@blogger.com (NEW YORK CBRS BILL) — Wed, 25 Feb 2009 21:34:00 +0000

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.

Assm Health Committee Vote - Feb 24

noreply@blogger.com (NEW YORK CBRS BILL) — Wed, 18 Feb 2009 01:34:00 +0000

*UPDATE -- The bill passed the Assembly Health committee today (2/24) and is now in the Assembly Ways & Means committee. Thank you to Everyone!

The Assembly Health committee will vote on the CBRS bill February 24th. If it passes, we can expect the bill to be sent to the Ways & Means committee.

Email, Fax or call the below Assembly Health Committee members.

Ask them to vote YES for Bill A4375 - The Certificate of Birth Resulting in Stillbirth Bill.

Chair
Richard N. Gottfried (co-sponsor)

Members
Jim Bacalles
Jonathan L. Bing
Kevin A. Cahill
James D. Conte
Steven Cymbrowitz
Jeffrey Dinowitz
Patricia A. Eddington
Sandy Galef
Aileen M. Gunther
Andrew Hevesi
Rhoda Jacobs
Charles D. Lavine
William B. Magnarelli
Nettie Mayersohn
David G. McDonough
Joel M. Miller
Amy Paulin
Crystal D. Peoples
Jack Quinn
Andrew P. Raia
Naomi Rivera
Linda B. Rosenthal
Robin Schimminger
Lou Tobacco
Darryl C. Towns

Click on link for their contact info.

We will post the results of the voting on the 25th.

Newsweek Stillbirth Article

noreply@blogger.com (NEW YORK CBRS BILL) — Tue, 03 Feb 2009 01:22:00 +0000

There is well written article in Newsweek that has just been published: A Vast and Sudden Sadness. The writer, Claudia Kalb, contacted us a while back and we spoke at great length about the Certificate of Birth Resulting in Stillbirth Bill.

Unfortunately, this article focused on the "Now I Lay Me Down To Sleep" photography program -- an excellent program which gives parents lasting memories of their child through photographs -- but a lost opportunity to talk about the CBRS.

We are asking everyone to contact Claudia Kalb at Newsweek. (webEditors@newsweek.com)

We'd like you to Thank her for her article on Stillbirth and to ask if she would consider writing one on the Certificate of Birth Resulting in Stillbirth bill. There are still 25 states that do not offer this important document to parents. Which, much like the cherished photographs, are another way for parents to honor and remember their child.

Legislative Session has begun....

noreply@blogger.com (NEW YORK CBRS BILL) — Wed, 28 Jan 2009 23:58:00 +0000

The 2009 NY legislative session has begun and with it, our determination to make this year the year that the Certificate of Birth Resulting in Stillbirth bill is passed.

We Need Your Help!

Take a few minutes and make two phone calls.

Those two calls will make all the difference this year. Your Senate and Assembly members want to hear from you. They want to know what is important to you. Tell them this bill is the one you want them to pass this year.

It Is Easy!

1. Log on to: http://nymap.elections.state.ny.us/nysboe/

Type in your address. Your representatives will be the last two names listed. Click on their names to view their web page.

2. Call their local offices.

Ask to speak to their Legislative Assistant regarding the Certificate of Birth Resulting in Stillbirth bill. (Senate sponsor: Bill Larkin; Assembly sponsor: Janele Hyer-Spencer)

3. Tell them you are a constituent (a voter in their district).

4. If no one is avaliable - ask to leave a message for the Legislative Assistant.

What To Say?

1. I am in support of the Certificate of Birth Resulting in Stillbirth bill. As a mother/father/grandparent/other & constituent I am watching this bill. I believe that families, like mine, who suffer the tragedy of having a stillborn child deserve to receive recognition of the birth with a Certificate of Birth Resulting in Stillbirth. [briefly share your personal story - if you choose to]

2. Can I expect the Senator/Assemblyperson to vote YES when this bill comes up for any votes?

(Yes?) -- Thank them for their support. Mail a follow-up letter confirming and thanking them for their support. They will keep your letter along with other documents regarding the bill and refer to it prior to any voting they do.

(No?) -- Ask them to share the reason(s) why. Schedule an appointment to speak to the legislative assistant in person to share your personal story and discus why they should support the bill.

(Undecided?) -- Schedule an appointment with the legislative assistant to share your personal story and discuss why they should support the bill.

Whenever possible, make an appointment to speak to someone in person. A face-to-face meeting has more impact than a phone call, letter or email. Likewise, a phone call is more effective than a letter and lastly an email.

Contact Us.

Email Paige with confirmed YES/NO/UNDECIDED responses.

We will track votes to focus efforts where needed.

Thank you for your support!

Light a Candle ~ December 14

noreply@blogger.com (NEW YORK CBRS BILL) — Mon, 08 Dec 2008 18:50:00 +0000

May this candle burning bright
Through the darkness of the night
Be seen by our little ones up above
And know that they are truly loved.

On Sunday, December 14th at 7:00 pm, there is a worldwide candle lighting for all babies and
children who have died. It starts in New Zealand at 7:00 pm and continues throughout the world.

Light a candle in your window and join us in creating a 24 hour wave of light as it moves from time zone to time zone - to remember all of our Children.

CBRS Bill on YouTube

noreply@blogger.com (NEW YORK CBRS BILL) — Sun, 16 Nov 2008 19:33:00 +0000

Help us create a YouTube video!

Join us in this venture and help spread awareness of Stillbirth and the NY Bill....

Submit a picture of your child to Jeff.

Include your Name(s) and County

Your Child's name (phonetically spelled, if necessary).

For this particular video, we are only looking for pictures of children that were born in New York State.

Any questions, please contact Jeff or Paige.

Welcome

noreply@blogger.com (NEW YORK CBRS BILL) — Sun, 26 Oct 2008 13:55:00 +0000

Information about the Certificate of Birth Resulting in Stillbirth bill was displayed at Walks in New York throughout the month of October.

We welcome those that are visiting this site for the first time.

We hope that each of you will help support our efforts by sending an email/letter to your Senate & Assembly members asking them for their support. There is a sample letter on the right. When you hear from them, please let us know. It helps to know where to focus our efforts.

There is a Conference Call on Tuesday, October 28th at 9pm (est) regarding the New York CBRS bill. We will talk about our plans for the upcoming 2009 legislative session. To join the conversation, Email me and the agenda and call information will be sent to you.

We welcome your involvement as we work together to pass this important bill.

** The conference call was postponed due to technical problems. It will be rescheduled soon. If you would like to be contacted about the new date/time, please contact me.

Light a Candle - Send a Letter ~ Oct 15th

noreply@blogger.com (NEW YORK CBRS BILL) — Wed, 15 Oct 2008 04:01:00 +0000

Join us in remembering Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month by submitting to your local newspaper a Letter To The Editor.

We will track all the newspapers that have been written to and which ones publish the letter HERE. Just tell us who you wrote to: email us.

Send the below letter now....

October is Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month.

On this day, and everyday, more than 70 new parents will have listened to their stillborn baby’s silence. The births of these babies are not acknowledged by the state.

The car seat is empty; the nursery remains unused; family and friends say both hello and goodbye to the baby during the funeral. Families are left with few memories and the question of “Why?“.

Stillbirth is the leading cause of infant death, with nearly 30,000 stillborn babies in the US -- and 2,000 in New York State -- every year. Typically, the medical causes are unknown. In 2001, the U.S. National Institute of Health awarded only $442,000, or $3.32 per stillborn infant, for stillbirth research. The reasons for this lack of funding is unclear.

There is a state bill that can increase awareness of the tragedy of Stillbirth: Bill A8960 / S186a. The bill does not change current NYS Public Health Law; it simply gives parents the option to request a certificate to acknowledge childbirth. The passage of this legislation can have a positive impact on a family grieving the loss of a child while increasing the nation’s awareness of stillbirth.

Write to your Senate and Assembly members. Ask them to support this bill. Ignoring this tragedy will not prevent it from occurring; if we do nothing, nearly 30,000 babies will be stillborn again this year. Support the New York Certificate of Birth Resulting in Stillbirth Bill. Your support will make a difference.

Visit www.CBRSbill.blogspot.com.

Law Could Help Stillbirth Research

noreply@blogger.com (NEW YORK CBRS BILL) — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 12:38:00 +0000

Conference Call ~ October 29th

noreply@blogger.com (NEW YORK CBRS BILL) — Tue, 30 Sep 2008 14:45:00 +0000

** Update: Date has been changed to Tuesday, October 28th 9:00pm **

We will be conducting a conference call on the NY Certificate of Birth Resulting in Stillbirth Bill. We will discuss our strategy for the upcoming 2009 legislative session and ways everyone can help.

Wednesday, October 29th 9:00pm

If you are interested, please email me. We will send out details prior to the call.

Memorial Walks Needed

noreply@blogger.com (NEW YORK CBRS BILL) — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 02:52:00 +0000

If anyone knows of any Memorial Walks in New York State that will be held in conjunction with the October Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Month or any similar events, please Email Me.

We would like to be able to get information about the bill directly to those that would benefit from its passage and increase our support throughout New York. Walks that we know about are listed on the right.

Thank you.

Session has Ended

noreply@blogger.com (NEW YORK CBRS BILL) — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 16:01:00 +0000

Session has come to yet another end without our state recognizing the birth of our children.

Many of you have pledged your efforts when session starts again. Those efforts will be essential for our success. Enough cannot be said about the tremendous effort and energy put out by all of you over the past few weeks. Now, more than ever before, the NYS legislators know about our bill. They know about the powerful forces behind it. They know we will not go away. They know to expect many future waves of calls, e-mails, faxes, and letters.

Please join us in thanking our bill sponsor, Janele Hyer-Spencer, for all she has done for our cause. Ms. Hyer-Spencer is up for re-election this year so please offer any assistance to ensure that she remains in office and our voice in the Assembly.

Keep in touch with your reps (both houses) to make sure they are representing you when it comes time to make a decision.

We will resume our fight in August.

For all our children,

Paige, Michelle, Jeff and Lori

It's Over...

noreply@blogger.com (NEW YORK CBRS BILL) — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 03:21:00 +0000

It's over.....

The bill is being "held" for consideration. Meaning it isn't going anywhere uless we let them kow that this is not okay with us. We only have one shot. Only one day.

It's over....unless you can help by making phone calls, faxing and emailing your story to Assembly Speaker Silver; Chair of Ways & Means, Assemblyman Farrell and the Ways & Means Committee members.

Call, Fax, Email them all. Tell them "For a state that supposedly supports women, the Assembly has done a great job of attempting to sweep bereaved women under the carpet and hope we go away." Don't let them do this. Tell YOUR story.

Click on their name for their webpage to find their Email and Phone numbers.

Assembly Speaker - Albany Fax ~ District Office Fax
Sheldon Silver 518-455-5459 ~ 212-312-1425

Chair Ways & Means - Albany Fax ~ District Office Fax
Herman D. Farrell, Jr. 518-455-5776 ~ 212-234-1868

Ways & Means
Committee - Albany Fax ~ District Office Fax
Adriano Espaillat 518-455-4908 ~212-544-2252
Aurelia Greene 518-455-5461 ~ 718-538-3310
Brian M. Kolb 518-455-4650 ~ 35-781-1746
Catherine Nolan 518-455-3847 ~ 718-417-4982
Clifford W. Crouch 518-455-5864 ~ 607-648-6089
Daniel J. Burling 518-455-5691 ~ 585-786-0182
David F. Gantt 518-455-5419 ~ 585-454-3788
Deborah J. Glick 518-455-4649 ~ 212-674-5530
Dede Scozzafava 518-455-5289 ~ 315-287-2895
Earlene Hooper 518-455-4329 ~ 516-538-3155
Fred W. Thiele, Jr. 518-455- 5963 ~ 631-537-2836
Helene E. Weinstein 518-455-5752 ~ 718-769-4846
Ivan C. Lafayette 518-455-4547 ~ 718-335-8254
J. Gary Pretlow 518-455-5447 ~ 914-667-0209
Jeffrion L. Aubry 518-455-4565 ~ 718-457-3640
Jim Hayes 518-455-5023 ~ 716-634-1250
John J. McEneny 518-455-5737 ~ same
Joseph D. Morelle 518-455-5647 ~ 585-467-5342
Joseph R. Lentol 518-455-4599 ~ 718-383-1576
Kevin A. Cahill 518-455-5576 ~ 845-338-9590
Mark Weprin 518-455-5977 ~ 718-428-8575
Mike Spano 518-455-5499 ~ 914-779-8859
N. Nick Perry 518-455-5478 ~ 718-385-3339
Nancy Calhoun 518-455-5884 ~ 845-567-3910
Rhoda Jacobs 518-455-3881 ~ 718-421-4396
RoAnn M. Destito 518-455-5928 ~ 315-732-1413
Robin Schimminger 518-455-4724 ~ 716-873-5675
Roy McDonald 518-455-3727 ~ 518-747-7203
Ruben Diaz, Jr. 518-455-5827 ~ 718-842-8731
Sam Hoyt 518-455-4890 ~ 716-855-936
Vivian E. Cook 518-455-3606 ~ 718-322-4085
William A. Barclay 518-455-5362 ~ 315-592-2359
William Colton 518-455-5706 ~ 718-236-6507
William L. Parment 518-455-4328 ~ 716-483-0299

Time is Running Out...

noreply@blogger.com (NEW YORK CBRS BILL) — Tue, 17 Jun 2008 01:57:00 +0000

The bill will be voted on by the (35) members on the Ways & Means committee in the next couple of days. If there is majority vote in support, it will be placed on the Assembly calendar and voted on by the full Assembly (150) members at some point before the end of session (6/23).

The bill hasn't passed yet so we continue to need YOUR help.

1. phone & email & fax the ways & means committee members and ask them for their support: List of Committee Members

2. phone & email & fax your Assembly member asking for their support: Who is my Assemblymember?

Your Assembly member and the Ways/Means committee members NEED to hear from you RIGHT NOW.

The vote in the Ways & Means committee will take place in the next day or two. Half of the members are undecided....it is up to you to help them make the right choice.

Make a call, send an email, send a fax, visit their local office...asking them for their support of Assembly Bill 8960.

Father's Day Press Conference

noreply@blogger.com (NEW YORK CBRS BILL) — Sun, 15 Jun 2008 14:54:00 +0000

Father's Day Press Conference held on the steps of NYC Hall ~ June 15, 2008 ~ promoting the Certificate of Birth Resulting in Stillbirth Bill.

News Conference - June 15 - NY City Hall

noreply@blogger.com (NEW YORK CBRS BILL) — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 19:54:00 +0000

WHAT: Conference to support the passage of New York State Assembly Bill (A8960) “Certificate of Birth Resulting in a Stillbirth”

WHO: NY State Senator Eric Adams

WHEN: 11:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. Sunday, June 15

WHERE: steps outside City Hall : 260 Broadway, New York, NY 10007

Join us there & show your support of the CBRS bill.

6/16/08 update: The news conference was a success! Thank you to everyone who was able to attend. Watch it: CBRS Bill ~ News Conference

Parents Needed for Interviews!

noreply@blogger.com (NEW YORK CBRS BILL) — Fri, 06 Jun 2008 18:29:00 +0000

To Parents all over New York State:

If anyone is interested in the possibility of being interviewed by the media regarding the CBRS bill, please email Paige.

The topics covered you would need to be open to discussing:

your experience with stillbirth
failure of the NY Assembly to move on Bill A8960 (introduced since 2003)

Email your Full Name, Address, Day/Eve phone.

Your information will be included as contact information included with a press release informing the media that the Assembly has, once again, ignored grieving parents.

Online Petition ~ Sign Now !

noreply@blogger.com (NEW YORK CBRS BILL) — Tue, 03 Jun 2008 18:52:00 +0000

Update: petition is now closed.

This is our final plea to get Assembly Bill 8960 - Certificate of Birth Resulting in Stillbirth - to the Assembly Floor for a vote before session ends on June 23rd.

Sign the online PETITION to Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver asking him to use his authority to allow the bill to move out of the Ways & Means Committee to the Assembly Floor.

Click on this link: http://www.thepetitionsite.com/1/ny-stillbirth-bill

The petition will be open through June 10th and delivered to Speaker Silver's office in Albany.

Forward the link to everyone ~ ask them to sign the petition in memory of your child.

Session is Ending...we need your HELP!

noreply@blogger.com (NEW YORK CBRS BILL) — Mon, 19 May 2008 14:12:00 +0000

Update: link is now closed.

Time is running out!

New York Legislative session ends on June 23rd.

The Bill has continued to STALL in the Ways & Means committee (since January 29, 2008).

It is their responsibility to review bills and determine the financial impact on the state. 23 states have now passed similar bills & have reported no negative fiscal impact. Instead, states have generated income via the certificate fees.

They know this. They need to be good stewards of their position and move this bill out of their committee.

The Senate passed the bill 58-1. They need to give the Assembly its turn.

Click on this link: http://tinyurl.com/yqokqh

It will take less than 30 seconds to send an email to the Ways & Means Committee members. Join us in asking the committee members to move Bill A8960 out of their committee so it can come in front of the full Assembly for a floor vote.

Pass this information to everyone you know and ask them to show their support of the Certificate of Birth Resulting in Stillbirth Bill for you.

Thank you!

For every family that has faced the tragedy of a stillbirth; for every family that will face this tragedy ...help us pass the CBRS Bill.

update: Over 400 emails have been sent since June 3
update: 512 email were sent as of end of session on June 23...Thank You.