Assemblyman Bill Magnarelli (D-Syracuse) announced that the Assembly passed another key piece of legislation he authored to further educate parents about Shaken Baby Syndrome (A.316-B).

“Education is key in preventing Shaken Baby Syndrome,” Assemblyman Magnarelli said. “Too many people don’t know how dangerous it is to shake an infant – they just don’t know that it can kill or permanently injure a baby.”

The new legislation continues Assemblyman Magnarelli’s mission to put an end to Shaken Baby Syndrome (SBS) through education. In 2004, Magnarelli authored a law that requires New York hospitals and birth centers to request that new parents view a video presentation on the dangers of shaking infants (Ch. 219 of 2004). Similarly, in 2006 the Assemblyman authored legislation that provided SBS education for high school students (Ch. 177 of 2006). These laws ensure that countless new parents, potential parents and babysitters learn what SBS is and how to prevent it.

The legislation will protect a population of children whose parent or parents have more difficulty with stress and anger management. The legislation would require all state correction facilities to provide SBS instruction to inmates to help protect the lives of the children who will be under their care upon release.

“Everyone should have access to information on the dangers of SBS and how to prevent it,” Magnarelli said. “Educating inmates on these dangers is another important step toward making sure that no baby is injured or killed in this cruel, reckless way.”

Between one-forth and one-third of Shaken Baby Syndrome victims die. Of those infants that survive this brutal act, more than half suffer from severe injuries and impairments, including blindness, paralysis and mental retardation. But education about SBS can reduce the number of cases according to a study in the American Academy of Pediatrics. The study conducted in 8 counties in Western New York provided parents with information describing the dangers of violent infant shaking. During the first five and a half years of the program, the incidence of abusive head injuries decreased by 47%.

“The severe injuries and tragic deaths caused by SBS can be prevented with a mere 15 minutes of education,” Magnarelli said. “It’s amazing to think that such a small measure could save so much heartache – but it can, and it will.”