Stillborn birth certificates
There are between 25,000-39,000 babies stillborn in the United States each year. An estimated 15 percent of all pregnancies in Nebraska are lost to miscarriage and stillbirth. Dr. John DeFrain from our own Univ of Nebraska did an intensive research study of stillbirth in the early 80′s. Many of the hundreds of participants expressed deep pain and anxiety about the lack of validation for the experience of birth. In an ironic twist, other states have used this information to make the compassionate choice while Nebraska has lingered behind.
The hundreds of families hit by this tragedy deserve a certificate of birth. Their births are no different than any other except their parents must leave the hospital without their child. Mothers of stillborn babies must still give birth. For them, the immeasurable physical pain and trauma of childbirth is coupled with the most emotionally traumatic – death.
We hope that other parents with pregnancy loss will be recognized in such legislation as well, but any step towards solving this crisis is a good one.
We hope Nebraska will join us in that cause and enact this long overdue legislation.
Note: While certificates to miscarriage
Shannon and Michelle
info@adamssong.net
