Congresswoman Laura Richardson Rises in Support of SIDS Awareness Month

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) Awareness Month.

Mr. Speaker, Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) is one of the leading causes of death among infants one month through one year of age in the United States. The National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD) defines SIDS as the sudden death of an infant under one year of age which remains unexplained after a thorough case investigation.

Due to the efforts of the American SIDS Institute and other organizations, the sudden infant death rate is at an all time low. Since 1983, the rate of SIDS has fallen by over 50 percent. Tragically, however, there are still about 2,500 deaths per year in the United States and thousands more throughout the world.

Mr. Speaker, it is believed that SIDS can be eliminated as a cause of infant deaths within our lifetime. Achieving this goal requires the financial and personal support of corporations, foundations and concerned individuals.

As a proud member of the Congressional 21st Century Health Care Caucus and a strong supporter of legislation designed to promote healthy children and families, including the Affordable Care Act, SCHIP, and child nutrition programs I believe it is important to raise awareness about Sudden Infant Death Syndrome to save babies at risk and eventually eradicate SIDS.

For these reasons, I urge my colleagues to join me in support of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) Awareness Month.