Stillbirth, the loss of a baby at 20 weeks or more of pregnancy, remains a preventable public health tragedy. Research shows at least 1 in 4 stillbirths can be prevented, yet North Carolina loses an average of 723 babies each year, a number that has remained largely unchanged for over a decade. States that have implemented comprehensive prevention strategies have seen meaningful improvements; in Iowa, a 32% reduction was achieved through the Count the Kicks program, demonstrating that similar action in North Carolina could save an estimated 231 babies every year. Preventing stillbirth also protects mothers, as many of the same warning signs, such as a change in fetal movement, hypertensive disorders, and other complications, are critical indicators of maternal health risks, meaning earlier detection and response can save moms’ lives as well.

Every mom deserves access to this education because no pregnancy is immune. Stillbirths occur to women of all races, ethnicities, income levels, education levels, and ages. This includes women with healthy, low-risk pregnancies. However, the need for action is even more urgent when considering high disparities communities. Black families in North Carolina experience stillbirth at a rate of 10.6 per 1,000 births, more than double that of white families at 4.4. Certain North Carolina locations face even higher burdens, including counties such as Anson at 17.1, Edgecombe at 11.2, Sampson at 11.1, Lenoir at 10.4, and Vance at 9.6. The BUMP Act directly addresses these gaps by ensuring targeted outreach to the most at-risk populations and locations. 

The Bump Act will provide pregnant patients with free, standardized, evidence-based education in both English and Spanish, while also equipping prenatal care providers with training on stillbirth prevention protocols. For expectant parents, it includes education on fetal movement, awareness of maternal warning signs, information about stillbirth risk factors, and clear guidance on when and how to access routine or urgent prenatal care. For providers, the focus is on standardized fetal movement education and documentation, timely clinical responses to changes in fetal movement, and improved recognition and management of infection-related risks as well as placental and umbilical cord complications associated with stillbirth.

Your support as a North Carolina constituent is critical to building the momentum needed to pass the BUMP Act and implement these proven, evidence-based strategies statewide. By standing behind this legislation, your organization helps elevate awareness, strengthen systems of care, and ensure that every North Carolina family has access to the knowledge and support needed for a healthy pregnancy. Together, we can reduce preventable loss, improve maternal health, and save lives across North Carolina.

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Healthy Birth Day, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to preventing stillbirth through evidence-based programming, advocacy, and research. We are the creators of Count the Kicks, a proven stillbirth prevention program that empowers expectant parents by teaching them the importance of tracking fetal movements. 

Please reach out to Jen Rowray, Director of Advocacy & Engagement @ rowray.jenifer@healthybirthday.org if you have additional questions or desire to find more ways to collaborate.