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PRINTER'S NO. 3347
THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA
HOUSE RESOLUTION
No. 517
Session of
2026
INTRODUCED BY MAYES, HANBIDGE, VENKAT, WAXMAN, RIVERA, HILL-
EVANS, KHAN, McNEILL, HOHENSTEIN, GALLAGHER, D. WILLIAMS,
CURRY AND DONAHUE, MAY 5, 2026
REFERRED TO COMMITTEE ON INSURANCE, MAY 5, 2026
A RESOLUTION
Recognizing the month of May 2026 as "Preeclampsia Awareness
Month" in Pennsylvania.
WHEREAS, Preeclampsia is a dangerous complication of
pregnancy that is associated with a rapid rise in blood pressure
that can lead to a variety of negative health outcomes,
including seizures, strokes and organ failure, among other
conditions; and
WHEREAS, Preeclampsia generally occurs after the 20th week of
pregnancy, but, in rare cases, the condition can develop after
the mother gives birth, which may demand immediate treatment;
and
WHEREAS, In the most severe cases, preeclampsia can lead to
the death of the mother or the infant, in addition to premature
birth, which also presents significant long-term health risks
for the mother and child; and
WHEREAS, Preeclampsia causes an estimated 15% of premature
deliveries in the United States; and
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WHEREAS, Preeclampsia is estimated to occur in 5% to 8% of
all pregnancies and is one of the leading causes of maternal
mortality; and
WHEREAS, The incidence of preeclampsia in the United States
has increased 25% in the last two decades; and
WHEREAS, A pregnant mother is at a higher risk of
preeclampsia if the mother is undergoing a first pregnancy, is
over 40 years of age, has experienced a large interval since her
last pregnancy, has had preeclampsia during a previous pregnancy
or has a history of hypertension, chronic kidney disease or
diabetes, among other conditions; and
WHEREAS, HELLP syndrome is a variant of preeclampsia named
for its characteristics of hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes and
low platelet count; and
WHEREAS, The conditions of HELLP syndrome may develop without
any prior symptoms, are life-threatening to both the mother and
infant and may present lifelong health complications for the
mother; and
WHEREAS, If not properly recognized and managed, preeclampsia
can progress to eclampsia, which can cause pregnancy-related
seizures or comas, although eclampsia can develop without any
observed symptoms of preeclampsia; and
WHEREAS, Public education on signs and symptoms of
preeclampsia, HELLP syndrome and eclampsia can help those who
are pregnant recognize these threatening conditions and seek
appropriate medical care; and
WHEREAS, The Preeclampsia Foundation estimates that 60% of
preeclampsia-related deaths are preventable; and
WHEREAS, Prenatal education should incorporate recognition of
symptoms, including spikes in maternal blood pressure, sudden
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swelling of face and hands, severe upper abdominal pain, blurred
vision, persistent headaches and breathlessness; and
WHEREAS, Many residents of this Commonwealth have joined with
the Preeclampsia Foundation to raise public awareness in keeping
with the goal of minimizing maternal and infant illness and
death due to preeclampsia; and
WHEREAS, The House of Representatives supports the
Preeclampsia Foundation in its efforts to provide support and
improve health care practices for mothers impacted by
preeclampsia and related hypertensive disorders of pregnancy;
therefore be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives recognize the
month of May 2026 as "Preeclampsia Awareness Month" in
Pennsylvania.
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