LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION memorializing Governor David A. Paterson to
proclaim April 2009 as Cesarean Awareness Month in the State of New York

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to memorialize Gover-
nor David A. Paterson to proclaim April 2009 as Cesarean Awareness Month
in the State of New York; and
WHEREAS, Approximately 33 percent of babies born in the State of New
York in 2009, will be delivered surgically via cesarean section; and
WHEREAS, The World Health Organization recommends a cesarean rate of
less than 15 percent, and the United States Department of Health and
Human Services' Healthy People 2010 has set a goal of a cesarean rate of
18 percent among low risk, first-time mothers, and 72 percent for women
with prior cesareans; and
WHEREAS, A cesarean section is a major abdominal surgery; and
WHEREAS, Women who undergo cesarean surgery may have a long recovery
time, and are subject to increased complications such as increased rates
of unexplained stillbirth, placental abnormalities, and uterine rupture;
and
WHEREAS, While a cesarean can be lifesaving for a mother and her baby
in certain circumstances, maternal and child health are improved by
preventing unnecessary cesareans; and
WHEREAS, Women from the State of New York should have access to full
and complete information on the risks and benefits of vaginal birth and
cesarean section, in order to make informed choices about their health
care; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
memorialize Governor David A. Paterson to proclaim April 2009 as Cesare-
an Awareness Month in the State of New York; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to The Honorable David A. Paterson, Governor of the State of New
York.