UNOFFICIAL COPY 23 RS BR 243
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XXXX 10/10/2022 1:16 PM Jacketed
A RESOLUTION declaring October 2023 to be Kentucky Spina Bifida Awareness 1
Month. 2
WHEREAS, spina bifida is the most common permanently disabling birth defect, 3
occurring when the spine and spinal cord do not form properly within the first 30 days of 4
pregnancy and impacting approximately 1,500 births each year in the United States; and 5
WHEREAS, it is estimated that there are over 166,000 people in the United States 6
living with spina bifida; and 7
WHEREAS, the cause of spina bifida is unknown, and it affects each individual 8
differently; and 9
WHEREAS, individuals living with spina bifida may have multiple medical 10
conditions including partial paralysis, bowel and bladder incontinence, skin sensitivity, 11
hydrocephalus, and a multitude of other cognitive, developmental, and physical 12
challenges of varying degrees; and 13
WHEREAS, the medical community recommends that women who could become 14
pregnant take 400 micrograms of folic acid daily to help prevent neural tube defects such 15
as spina bifida; and 16
WHEREAS, October is National Spina Bifida Awareness Month and is represented 17
by a yellow ribbon; and 18
WHEREAS, with assistance from various organizations, health care professionals, 19
and family members, individuals born with spina bifida can lead full lives in the state of 20
Kentucky by engaging in educational opportunities, enjoying sports, and participating in 21
other enjoyable activities; 22
NOW, THEREFORE, 23
Be it resolved by the House of Representatives of the General Assembly of the 24
Commonwealth of Kentucky: 25
ď˘Section 1. The House of Representatives does hereby designate the month of 26
October 2023 to be Kentucky Spina Bifida Awareness Month. 27