Title: A resolution expressing support for the designation of November 9, 2021, as "National Microtia and Atresia Awareness Day".
Policy area: Health

Summary:
This resolution supports the designation of November 9, 2021, as National Microtia and Atresia Awareness Day. Microtia is a congenital condition affecting the outer ear; it is often accompanied by aural atresia (the absence or closure of the external ear canal resulting in hearing loss).

[Congressional Bills 117th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[S. Res. 457 Introduced in Senate (IS)]

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117th CONGRESS
  1st Session
S. RES. 457

    Expressing support for the designation of November 9, 2021, as 
            ``National Microtia and Atresia Awareness Day''.


_______________________________________________________________________


                   IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

                           November 18, 2021

  Ms. Warren (for herself, Mrs. Capito, and Mr. Markey) submitted the 
 following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Health, 
                     Education, Labor, and Pensions

_______________________________________________________________________

                               RESOLUTION


 
    Expressing support for the designation of November 9, 2021, as 
            ``National Microtia and Atresia Awareness Day''.

Whereas microtia is a congenital anomaly, affecting the outer ear, where the ear 
        does not fully develop during the first trimester of pregnancy;
Whereas microtia is often accompanied by aural atresia, which is the absence or 
        closure of the external auditory ear canal resulting in hearing loss;
Whereas an estimated 750,000 people worldwide have microtia;
Whereas microtia is diagnosed at birth, affecting 1 ear or both ears, but there 
        is no understanding as to why microtia occurs;
Whereas aural atresia is usually diagnosed at birth, affecting 1 ear or both 
        ears, but in some cases may not be recognized until later in life;
Whereas doctors and nurses may be well versed in the conditions and quickly 
        educate and prepare parents;
Whereas, in certain settings, the conditions are rare enough that misinformation 
        or lack of information quickly evaporates any remaining sense of 
        celebration that accompanies a birth; and
Whereas living with facial challenges such as craniofacial microsomia and 
        hearing loss, as well as the longing for social acceptance, are some of 
        the daily concerns for individuals who are born with microtia or aural 
        atresia: Now, therefore, be it
    Resolved, That the Senate--
            (1) expresses support for the designation of November 9, 
        2021, as ``National Microtia and Atresia Awareness Day'';
            (2) encourages each person of the United States--
                    (A) to celebrate the community that is made up of 
                not only children and adults with microtia or aural 
                atresia, but families, teachers, advocates, and medical 
                professionals from around the world who foster 
                awareness and assistance; and
                    (B) to help promote public awareness of microtia, 
                aural atresia, and the hope that future generations of 
                families will leave the hospital equipped with more 
                answers than questions, along with their dream for 
                their child intact;
            (3) supports efforts to remove unnecessary barriers and 
        replace them with resources and tools that aim to eliminate 
        bullying and clear the way for an even more successful future 
        for those with microtia or atresia;
            (4) encourages Federal, State, and local policymakers to 
        work together--
                    (A) to raise awareness about microtia or atresia;
                    (B) to improve proper diagnosis of microtia or 
                atresia; and
                    (C) to support advancements in technology that 
                improve the lives of those with microtia and aural 
                atresia; and
            (5) encourages the President to issue a proclamation 
        calling upon the people of the United States to observe the day 
        with appropriate awareness and educational activities.
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