Rep. Townsend offered the following resolution:

House Resolution No. 213. 

            A resolution to declare April 2012 as Multiple Birth Awareness Month in the state of Michigan.

            Whereas, The National Organization of Mothers of Twins Clubs, Inc., Twins Magazine and the Fetal Hope Foundation have joined with local organizations to establish and celebrate April 2012 as the 4th Annual National Multiple Birth Awareness Month; and

            Whereas, Multiple births have been on the rise over the past decades.  The number of live births in twin deliveries rose 70% between 1980 and 2004 and since has remained fairly stable.  Between 1980 and 2006, twin birth rates rose 80% for women in their thirties and 190% for mothers aged 40 and over.  There were there were 138,961 twin births, 5,967 triplets, 369 quadruplets, and 91 higher order multiples born in 2007 nationwide; and

            Whereas, With the increase in multiple births, there is an increased risk for the mothers and babies.  Nationally, one of every 8 twins and one of every 3 triplets are born very preterm, compared with fewer than 2 of every 100 single births.  Death during infancy is 8 times more common for multiples than singletons; and

Whereas, This month will be used to spread awareness about the issues that families of multiple births face including what to know when expecting multiples, Twin-to-Twin Transfusion Syndromes, other fetal issues directly affecting multiple birth pregnancies, premature births and low birth weights, multiples with special needs, the exceptional physical and bonding demands placed on parents, and the separation of multiples in classrooms; and

            Whereas, There are many local support groups for parents of multiples.  The Michigan Organization of Mothers of Twins Club was founded in 1964 and has many local clubs throughout the state for parents or expectant parents to get involved.  Many of these clubs are planning events throughout their communities during this month to celebrate their families, increase participation, and help out other families in need; and

            Whereas, By raising awareness of multiple births, this month also encourages parents of multiples or who are expecting multiples to seek out the resources and support found with local mothers of twins clubs, through their prenatal care provider, pediatrician, local hospital, the Michigan Organization of Mothers of Twins Clubs, or friends and family.  These clubs are established to serve parents or guardians of multiple birth children through education, research, and networking: and  

            Whereas, We join with the many parents of multiples to celebrate the joys and challenges they face in raising their twins, triplets, or more and support efforts to educate our communities about the needs and challenges of multiple birth children; now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the House of Representatives, That the members of this legislative body declare April 2012 as Multiple Birth Awareness Month in the state of Michigan.