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 raise awareness of preeclampsia and its risks without creating new laws or funding.

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

Purpose and Intent

Designates a specific day in Louisiana to raise awareness about preeclampsia, a serious pregnancy-related condition. Specifically, it sets aside World Preeclampsia Awareness Day on Friday, May 22, 2026, in Louisiana.

Aligns state recognition with World Preeclampsia Awareness Day observed globally on May 22.

Key Provisions and Changes

Declares May 22, 2026, to be World Preeclampsia Awareness Day in the state of Louisiana.

Acknowledges May as Preeclampsia Awareness Month at national/international levels and highlights the aim to increase understanding of preeclampsia.

Recognizes the severity of preeclampsia, including risks such as high blood pressure, seizures, stroke, organ failure, and potential death for mother and baby.

Notes statistical context:

U.S. maternal mortality rate is high relative to other nations.
Preeclampsia affects about 1 in 25 pregnancies in the U.S.
Louisiana’s maternal mortality rate (2024) was 41.9 deaths per 100,000 live births (highest in the nation at that time).
Louisiana faces high rates of hypertension among women of reproductive age and high infant mortality; premature births are a contributing factor.

Commends Woman’s Hospital for its care of pregnant women and its role in reducing maternal and infant deaths and preterm births.

Affected Parties and Entities

General public in Louisiana, with a particular emphasis on pregnant individuals, women of childbearing age, families, and healthcare providers.

Woman’s Hospital (acknowledged for its role in providing care to pregnant women in Louisiana).

Potential impact on state awareness and education efforts related to maternal and infant health.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

The resolution designates a single day: Friday, May 22, 2026, as World Preeclampsia Awareness Day in Louisiana.

The action is ceremonial/recognition-based and does not create new statutes, funding, or regulatory requirements.

The resolution was read by title on May 15, 2026, and carries sponsorship from Representative Annie Spell (co-sponsor).

Potential Impact and Implications

Raises public awareness about preeclampsia and related maternal/infant health risks.

May encourage hospitals, clinics, and community organizations to promote education, screening, and early care for preeclampsia during May 2026 and on May 22.

Could serve as a catalyst for future Louisiana initiatives aimed at reducing maternal and infant mortality, although the resolution itself does not mandate actions or allocate resources.

Highlights ongoing public health concerns in Louisiana related to hypertension, preterm birth, and infant mortality, potentially informing future legislative or policymaking discussions.

Bill