State Representative Tom Bennett represents the 106th legislative district/Photo courtesy of Rep. Bennett’s office.

By Neil Doyle

State Representative Tom Bennett (R-Gibson City) wants more clarity in reports that document infant deaths and he’s the sponsor of a bill to achieve it.

Under current law, when an infant two years of age or younger in Illinois dies suddenly and unexpectedly, cases are reported to the Statewide Sudden Unexpected Infant Death Syndrome Program.

According to the Department of Public Health, death certificates shall list the cause of death as SIDS, where this finding is medically justified. Bennett doesn’t believe that’s sufficient.

“By just putting SIDS on the death certificate, potentially valuable information is being left out that could help prevent infant death,” Bennett says. “This legislation is being introduced to require crucial details on every part of the death report.”

The bill was given unanimous approval in the House and now moves to the governor’s desk for consideration.