SPECIAL DAY/WEEK/MONTH: Designates May 22, 2026, as World Preeclampsia Awareness Day in Louisiana

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Annie Spell

Louisiana designates May 22, 2026 as World Preeclampsia Awareness Day to promote awareness and education on preeclampsia and maternal-infant health.

Taken by the Clerk of the House and presented to the Secretary of State in accordance with the Rules of the House.

Summary of HR 284 (2026) — Louisiana

Purpose

Designates a specific day in Louisiana to raise awareness of preeclampsia. Specifically, designates Wednesday, May 22, 2026, as World Preeclampsia Awareness Day in Louisiana.

Key Provisions

Declares May 22, 2026, as World Preeclampsia Awareness Day within the state.

Acknowledges that May is nationally and internationally recognized as Preeclampsia Awareness Month.

Recognizes World Preeclampsia Day (observed globally on May 22) and its aim to increase understanding of preeclampsia, a severe pregnancy-related hypertensive disorder.

Specifically acknowledges Woman’s Hospital for providing care to pregnant women to help reduce maternal and infant deaths and to reduce preterm births (as part of the resolution’s narrative).

What Would Be Affected

The designation applies to Louisiana and its residents, organizations, and institutions that may observe or promote World Preeclampsia Awareness Day.

There is no mandated funding, program creation, or regulatory change in the bill text; it is a ceremonial resolution recognizing awareness of preeclampsia and the importance of improving maternal and infant outcomes.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

Introduced as House Resolution 284 by Representative Annie Spell (co-sponsored by Spell).

The resolution designates a specific date in 2026 (May 22) for World Preeclampsia Awareness Day in Louisiana.

Status note: The action history indicates it was read by title and lay over under the rules as of May 13, 2026.

Context and Rationale (as described in the resolution)

Preeclampsia is characterized by a rapid rise in blood pressure and can lead to severe outcomes including seizures, stroke, organ failure, or death.

Louisiana faces high maternal and infant mortality rates relative to other states; the bill emphasizes the need for awareness and improved care to address these public health challenges.

The resolution cites statistics on Louisiana’s maternal mortality rate (noting 41.9 deaths per 100,000 live births in 2024, among the highest in the nation) and infant mortality and premature birth considerations.

Overall Impact

The bill serves as a symbolic or commemorative action to promote awareness, education, and potentially increased attention to preeclampsia and related maternal-infant health concerns in Louisiana.

It acknowledges the role of healthcare providers (notably Woman’s Hospital) in addressing these health outcomes.