House adopts two Curry resolutions highlighting infant mortality crisis, pedestrian safety
Rep. Gina H. Curry October 9, 2025 | 2:14 PM
HARRISBURG, Oct. 9 – Two resolutions introduced by state Rep. Gina H. Curry, D-Delaware, were adopted by the PA House this week to drive awareness of the infant mortality crisis and recognize the importance of pedestrian safety.
The first, H.R. 298, recognizes September 2025 as “Infant Mortality Awareness Month” in PA, a tribute to the six out of every 1,000 Pennsylvania-born babies who died before their first birthday in 2023.
In Delaware County, the infant mortality rate jumped more than 35% between 2021 and 2022, with Black infants dying at significantly higher rates than white infants. These deaths were largely caused by complications of premature birth, low birth weight, and respiratory distress.
Six other PA counties qualify as maternal care deserts, areas with no hospitals providing obstetric services, no birthing centers, and no OB/GYNs or certified midwives. Estimates suggest nearly 105,000 women of reproductive age live in areas without access to maternity care.
“The infant mortality crisis is growing,” said Curry. “And restricted access to healthcare facilities and doctors, misinformation from the federal level about scientifically-backed medical interventions – all of these things stand to make the infant mortality crisis much worse.”
The second resolution, H.R. 319, recognizes October 2025 as “National Pedestrian Safety Month” in PA. This resolution’s goal is to broaden the statewide reach and impact of the existing National Pedestrian Safety Month observed nationwide by the U.S. Department of Transportation and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
“It is becoming increasingly more difficult for people to walk or bike in their communities without fear of being run off the road or struck by a vehicle,” said Curry. “It’s discouraging to hear from people who choose to drive because they feel unsafe traveling by foot or bike to go even short distances in their hometowns.
“My hope is that statewide observance of these issues through awareness months will help some community members stop and think about how their choices and actions might add to the problem. Or at least to think about why these problems are growing.”
Curry is a member of the House Transportation Committee, House Children & Youth Committee, and co-chair of the PA Black Maternal Health Caucus