Reps. Miller, Ball, Barnett, Lisa Brown, Terry Brown, Constan, Griffin, Robert Jones, Knollenberg, Kowall, Liss, Lori, Mayes, Neumann, Roberts, Rogers, Sheltrown, Slavens, Valentine and Warren offered the following resolution:
            House Resolution No. 238.   
            A resolution to declare April 2010 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 as National Multiple Birth Awareness Month; and
            Whereas, Multiple births are on the rise.  The number of live births in twin deliveries rose two percent between 2005 and 2006 to 137,085 births; this number has almost doubled in the last 20 years.  In 2006, there were also 6,540 triplets, 355 quadruplets and 67 higher order multiples born nationwide; and
            Whereas, With the increase in multiple births, there is an increased risk for the mothers and babies.  Nationally, one out of every eight twins and one of every three triplets are born very preterm, compared with fewer than two of every 100 single births.  Death during infancy is four  times more common for twins 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 and 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 fellowship; and 
            Whereas, We join with the many parents of multiples to celebrate the joys and challenges they face in raising their twins, triplets, and other multiple births, 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 2010 as Multiple Birth Awareness Month in the state of Michigan.