A bill aimed to prevent Sudden Infant Death Syndrome by putting stricter requirements in place following an investigation where a child has died suddenly and unexpectedly, recently passed the Illinois Senate. An unsafe sleep environment is often a large contributor to infant deaths and is labeled as Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS)

Supporters of the bill say that often, even in situations where there are unsafe factors present at the scene where the infant passed, the death is often ruled as SIDS without further investigation. In situations like this, valuable information that could help prevent infant deaths in the future isn’t being captured.

Senate Bill 1568 would require coroners to conduct an autopsy following the investigation as well as list any environmental factors that may have contributed to the child’s death. The bill would also require the Department of Public Health to publish current data that it receives from coroner reports so that the public has access to reporting concerning SIDS.

Illinois resident Ashley Lamps inspired this legislation and now runs a foundation that advocates for SIDS awareness and the use of safe sleep practices. To learn more or to help in any way you can, visit the Aden Lamps Foundation website.

Senate Bill 1568 now heads to the House of Representatives for consideration.