Enacts the "Eli Parker Levitt Law"

• Democratic16

◆ The sponsor's argument

Why Jessica Scarcella-Spanton says this is needed

Carolyn Spiro Levitt and her husband, Josh, lost their son Eli Parker Levitt, when he was born at 23 weeks in 2020. At 20 weeks, Carolyn was told during a routine appointment that she was three centimeters dilat- ed, fully effaced, and about to go into labor due to a condition cruelly named an "incompetent cervix". Prior to that, the Levitt's were led to believe that everything was fine with their pregnancy. The condition Carolyn developed can be treated and addressed if caught in time through easy-to-conduct testing. Because Carolyn was not tested for the condi- tion earlier in her pregnancy, their son, Eli Levitt, passed away after being born early. An incompregnancy. Before, so-called cervical insuf- ficiency, is a condition that occurs when weak cervical tissue causes or contributes to premature birth or the loss of an otherwise healthy preg- nancy. Before pregnancy, a woman's cervix - the lower part of the uterus that connects to the vagina - is normally closed and rigid. As pregnancy progresses and a woman prepares to give birth, the cervix gradually softens, decreases in length, and opens. If a woman has an incompetent cervix, the cervix might begin to open too soon causing premature birth. Submitted in accordance with Assembly Rule III, Sec 1(f) Performing a test and an examination on all expecting women helps to ensure better birth outcomes. Cervical incompetence is a known risk factor for preterm birth and is considered responsible for 5% of extreme preterm deliveries (<28weeks). The United States is one of the most dangerous developed nations for pregnant mothers and their babies. Ten percent of all babies in the US are born prematurely. Premature birth (birth before 37 weeks) and its complications is the leading cause of death in babies in the US; of babies who survive, many have long standing health problems, including cerebral palsy, developmental disabilities, chronic lung disease, and issues with vision and hearing.

This is the sponsor's own case for the bill, quoted from their memorandum. It is not Agora's description of what the bill does.