Governor Stein Proclaims Amniotic Fluid Embolism Awareness Day

Amniotic Fluid Embolism Awareness Day

2026

By The Governor Of The State Of North Carolina

A Proclamation

Whereas, Amniotic Fluid Embolism Awareness Day brings needed attention to the devastating and often-fatal pregnancy complication and the importance of reducing maternal mortality resulting from amniotic fluid embolism (AFE) in North Carolina; and 

Whereas, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, among wealthy nations, the United States has the highest rate of maternal mortality; and amniotic fluid embolism (AFE) is a leading cause of maternal mortality, affecting 2 to 8 mothers per 100,000 births in the United States; and 

Whereas, the maternal mortality rate in North Carolina is higher than the national average, as of 2022, 26.7 deaths per 100,000 live births; and 

Whereas, an AFE is thought to be the result of an allergy-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 North Carolina, provides meaningful education and life-saving skills to properly prepare health care providers to manage and treat patients, increase the number of 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, enable the expansion of the search for effective treatment, and increase the number of lives saved;

Now, Therefore, I, Josh Stein, Governor of the State of North Carolina, do hereby proclaim March 27, 2026, as “Amniotic Fluid Embolism Awareness Day” in North Carolina and commend its observance to all residents.

In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the Great Seal of the State of North Carolina at the Capitol in Raleigh this second day of March in the year of our Lord two thousand and twenty-sixth and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and fiftieth.