$100,000 Stillbirth Prevention Funding in New Jersey

This platform was created to encourage New Jersey lawmakers to support $100,000 in stillbirth prevention funding in Governor Murphy's budget this year. The need for this prevention funding is URGENT. New Jersey families can't wait.

By following the form to the right, you can quickly ask your lawmaker to support recommendation 7.8 of the Governor's budget that asks for $100,000 to develop a stillbirth prevention public health campaign that increases awareness of stillbirth prevention measures and decreases New Jersey’s high stillborn rate. We lose nearly 700 babies every year to stillbirth in our state --- and thousands of families across New Jersey have been affected by the devastating loss of a baby.

The annual number of stillbirths far exceeds the number of deaths among children aged 0-14 years from preterm birth, SIDS, accidents, drownings, guns, fire, and flu combined. Research shows nearly one third of all stillbirths can be prevented. There are proven tools and resources to save babies NOW in New Jersey.

For example, the Count the Kicks stillbirth prevention program is leading the way in stillbirth prevention efforts (and reducing Iowa's stillbirth rate by 32 percent!) by giving expectant parents an early warning system: the knowledge and tools to pay attention to their babies' movements so they can speak up if they notice a change. Research shows a change in what's normal is an indication there may be something wrong with the pregnancy --- an early red flag. The tragedy of stillbirth can be avoided in many cases.

Through the successful, evidence-based Count the Kicks campaign they offer a solution: proven tools and resources so every expectant parent has evidence-based education to monitor their baby's health in the third trimester. Providers can order educational materials like posters and brochures at CountTheKicks.org and then implement the program within their practice immediately. Birthing hospitals, doctors, nurses, midwives, doulas, WIC clinics, FQHCs, home visitors, and community-based organizations can order them for free, if funded by the state.

The materials are used to spark the kick counting conversation between expectant parent and provider. Count the Kicks also offers a FREE app in 14 languages that allows expectant parents to have a kick counting session each day during the third trimester. The app has literally saved babies.

We would be so grateful for your time in contacting your lawmakers today. Thank you for your support.