Commonwealth of Massachusetts
A Proclamation
His Excellency Governor Deval L. Patrick
Whereas Preeclampsia is a dangerous condition of pregnancy that can, in its severest form, lead to maternal and/or infant mortality or premature birth with significant health risks for the mother and baby; and
Whereas More than 300,000 cases of preeclampsia are diagnosed in America every year with 25% classified as severe; and
Whereas Every 6 minutes of every day in America, a pregnant woman and her baby face life threatening consequences because of preeclampsia; and
Whereas By identifying the symptoms of preeclampsia, including spikes in maternal blood pressure, sudden swelling of feet, face, and hands, severe upper abdominal pain, blurred vision, we can help women recognize the condition and seek appropriate medical care; and
Whereas Through increased public awareness, Massachusetts seeks to minimize maternal and infant illness and death due to preeclampsia,
Now, Therefore, I, Deval L. Patrick, Governor of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, do hereby proclaim May, 2012, to be
Preeclampsia Awareness Month
And urge all the citizens of the Commonwealth to take cognizance of this event and participate fittingly in its observance.
Given at the Executive Chamber in Boston, this first day of March, in the year two thousand and twelve, and of the Independence of the United States of America, the two hundred and thirty-fifth.
By His Excellency
Deval L. Patrick
Governor of the Commonwealth
William Francis Galvin
Secretary of the Commonwealth
God Save the Commonwealth of Massachusetts