Bill Text: PA HR983 | 2009-2010 | Regular Session | Introduced

---

Bill Title: Congratulating the Department of Health for its efforts to affirm the importance of folic acid in the diets of women of childbearing age.

Spectrum: Bipartisan Bill

Status: (Passed) 2010-10-06 - Adopted [HR983 Detail]

Download: Pennsylvania-2009-HR983-Introduced.html

---

PRINTER'S NO. 4437
THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA
HOUSE RESOLUTION
No. 983 Session of2010
INTRODUCED BY MUSTIO, OCTOBER 5, 2010
INTRODUCED AS NONCONTROVERSIAL RESOLUTION UNDER RULE 35, OCTOBER 5, 2010
A RESOLUTION
Congratulating the Department of Health for its efforts to
affirm the importance of folic acid in the diets of women of
childbearing age.
WHEREAS, Each year, 2,500 babies are born with neural tube
defects, and many additional pregnancies result in miscarriage
or stillbirth due to inadequate maternal folic acid levels; and
WHEREAS, At least half of these cases could be prevented if
women consumed the proper amount of folic acid during early
pregnancy; and
WHEREAS, The Institute of Medicine's Food and Nutrition
Board, the Spina Bifida Association and the March of Dimes have
recommended that women who might become pregnant should consume
400 micrograms of synthetic folic acid every day from a vitamin
or from fortified foods in addition to eating a healthy diet
rich in natural sources of folate; and
WHEREAS, Research suggests that consumption of multivitamins
containing folic acid may also help prevent cleft palate,
congenital heart defects, prematurity and low birth weight; and
- 1 -
WHEREAS, While public awareness is improving, many women
still do not know the benefits of regularly consuming folic
acid, and only one-third take a daily vitamin containing folic
acid; therefore be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives congratulate the
Department of Health for its public education campaign on the
importance of folic acid in the diets of women of childbearing
age; and be it further
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives support the
efforts of the Department of Health regarding the benefits of
folic acid to the general public and health care providers so
that the incidence of preventable neural tube defects is
reduced.
- 2 -