March 27, 2023: Amniotic Fluid Embolism Awareness Day

WHEREAS, according to the Center for Disease Control, the maternal mortality rate in the United States increased from 20.1 to 23.8 per 100,000 live births; and,

WHEREAS, the maternal mortality ratio in the State of Michigan has experienced a trend with fluctuations between years; in 2019, pregnancy-related maternal mortality experienced a ratio increase of 2.1 times as compared to the previous year; and,

WHEREAS, between 2011 and 2019, there were 679 cases of pregnancy-associated maternal mortality; and,

WHEREAS, between 2011 and 2019, there were 67.2 pregnancy-associated deaths per 100,000 live births; and,

WHEREAS, between 2015 and 2019, amniotic fluid embolism (AFE) was responsible for one in every nineteen pregnancy-related deaths in Michigan,

WHEREAS, an AFE is thought to be the result of an allergic-like reaction to the amniotic fluid or fetal cells that have entered the circulatory system during childbirth, a normal part of the birth process; and, 

WHEREAS, AFE Foundation, working in collaboration with key stakeholders in the State of Michigan provides meaningful and education and life-saving skills to properly prepare healthcare providers to manage and treat patients, increase lives saved, and gain submissions to the AFE Registry and Biorepository; and, 

WHEREAS, awareness of AFE and commensurate data collection and research will promote understanding of this disorder, expanding the search for an effective treatment, and an increased number of lives saved;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Gretchen Whitmer, governor of Michigan, do hereby proclaim March 27, 2023 as Amniotic Fluid Embolism Awareness Day in Michigan.