SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 20

	WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas recognizes
the importance of ensuring the health and well-being of
newborn Texans and wishes to declare the week of
February 2 through February 8, 2003, as Texas Newborn Babies 
Week; and
	WHEREAS, It is of critical importance that the Texas public 
have access to proper prenatal and neonatal health care since 
early health care is important to an individual's long-term 
health; and
	WHEREAS, Texas ranks second highest among the states for 
the number of teen mothers age 15 to 19, and adolescent mothers 
and their babies are more likely to experience barriers to health 
care; and
	WHEREAS, Texas ranks fifth highest among the states for
the percentage of women who receive late or no prenatal care, a 
critical period in an infant's development; the state also ranks 
in the bottom one-sixth of states for the percentage of children 
living in poverty; and
	WHEREAS, Based upon the national rate, it is estimated
that 600 children with fetal alcohol syndrome--a 100 percent 
preventable condition--are born each year in Texas; and
	WHEREAS, Texas Newborn Babies Week will help focus the 
public's attention on the importance of prenatal and infant care, 
the risks of drinking alcohol during pregnancy, and the need for 
improved access to health services for expectant and new mothers; 
and
	WHEREAS, By educating the public on the need for and 
availability of prenatal care, and on the need for responsible 
behavior during pregnancy, Texas Newborn Babies Week will help 
ensure the health of the youngest of our Texas citizens; now, 
therefore, be it
	RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas,
78th Legislature, hereby designate the week of
February 2 through 8, 2003, as Texas Newborn Babies Week and 
extend best wishes to those organizing this campaign; and, be
it further
	RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared in 
honor of this important public health initiative.
                                                                       Wentworth




________________________________ 
    President of the Senate
 
    I hereby certify that the 
above Resolution was adopted by 
the Senate on January 21, 2003.



________________________________ 
    Secretary of the Senate



________________________________ 
     Member, Texas Senate