A landmark decision was made March 28, 2001 that will change the course of history. HB2416 passed the final step in legislature today and was voted into law with a unanimous 30-0 senate vote. I was astounded, as David and I sat patiently in the senate gallery during the final determining vote.
Senator Sue Gerard, Chair of the Health Committee requested to comment on her vote, “The passage of this bill will give much needed respect to those who have experienced the stillbirth of a child. It may even be the first step toward increased knowledge about the causes of stillbirth. In addition, it makes Arizona the first state in what will hopefully be a national trend toward recognizing the significance of this tragedy…”
This means that every stillborn baby, or a baby who dies during labor, will receive a birth certificate instead of the previously issued certificate of fetal death. This is a tremendous step forward and will send ripples of change across our nation. If you would like to thank Senator Gerard – champion for this bill, a wonderful and strong woman – deeply respected in the senate – who is committed to doing what is right and just, her address is sgerard@azleg.state.az.us and the other senators can be found at www.azleg.state.az.us/members/45leg/senate.htm where you can email each one if you like. I am so very proud of their courage, foresight and vision. Massachusetts already has filed a bill and Iowa and Florida are currently working on it.
Thank you for all your patience and encouragement. This is truly the first step in many to come for stillborn children of the past, present and future. These children have all helped to alter the course of history. “It is always the right time to do the right thing.” MLK, Jr.
