New York State Department of Health Raises Awareness About Syphilis During Pregnancy

Governor Hochul Issues Proclamation Declaring the Second-Annual Syphilis During Pregnancy Awareness Day

New York Reaffirms Status as Only State in Nation with Dedicated Awareness Day to Combat Congenital Syphilis

Statewide Landmarks to Be Illuminated Magenta and White on the Evening of August 24

State's Pioneering Congenital Syphilis Elimination Framework Guides Ongoing Prevention, Testing and Treatment Efforts

ALBANY, N.Y. (August 24, 2026) – The New York State Department of Health today announced the second annual Syphilis During Pregnancy Awareness Day, established by a proclamation from Governor Kathy Hochul to occur annually on the fourth Monday in August. The designation serves as a powerful reminder to New Yorkers of the critical importance of syphilis prevention, early detection, and timely treatment to protect the health of pregnant individuals and their infants. In addition to the proclamation, state landmarks will be illuminated in magenta and white on the evening of August 24th in recognition of the observance.

"Eliminating syphilis among infants is possible but can only be achieved by eliminating syphilis during pregnancy," State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald said. "Testing birthing parents for syphilis early and often and treating syphilis with antibiotics is the best way to protect babies during pregnancy and at birth. With the support of Governor Hochul's proclamation and the strategic guidance of our Congenital Syphilis Elimination Framework, we encourage healthcare providers, community partners, and residents to join us in raising awareness and working collaboratively to eliminate congenital syphilis in New York."

In 2025, New York became the first state in the nation to declare a Syphilis During Pregnancy Awareness Day. This year, the state is leveraging this platform to highlight its comprehensive Congenital Syphilis Elimination Framework—a groundbreaking, community-informed roadmap designed to guide New York toward eliminating mother-to-child transmission of syphilis.

Congenital syphilis occurs when syphilis, a sexually transmitted infection (STI), is passed from a pregnant person to an infant. Untreated syphilis during pregnancy, regardless of the stage of the disease, can lead to severe and catastrophic outcomes, including stillbirth, neonatal death, and long-term physical or neurological complications for the infant.

Despite being entirely preventable with routine testing and standard treatment, New York State reported more than 250 cases of congenital syphilis over a five-year period (2020–2024), which tragically included 15 congenital syphilis-related infant deaths.

To address these preventable tragedies, the Department of Health is actively implementing the New York State Congenital Syphilis Elimination Framework. Developed by the community-led New York State Congenital Syphilis Elimination Strategic Planning Group, the Framework outlines 24 targeted recommendations to eliminate congenital syphilis statewide. A cornerstone of this framework is expanding public education, reducing stigma, and ensuring that patients, partners, and healthcare providers have the resources they need for timely screening and care.

In alignment with the Framework's call to action, landmarks and public buildings across New York State will be illuminated in magenta and white on the evening of August 24. This symbolic display aims to spark vital conversations about maternal health and encourage communities to learn more about the state's elimination strategy.

The Department of Health urges healthcare providers to review screening protocols, community-based organizations to share educational resources, and residents to advocate for proactive prenatal care. By working together under the guidance of the Elimination Framework, New York State can ensure every pregnancy is protected.

To learn more about syphilis prevention, prenatal screening guidelines, and the New York State Congenital Syphilis Elimination Framework, visit the Department of Health's website.

Join the Department and New York State in shining a light on this critical issue and ensuring every pregnancy is protected.

Landmarks to be lit include:

  • 1WTC
  • Governor Mario M. Cuomo Bridge
  • Kosciuszko Bridge
  • The H. Carl McCall SUNY Building
  • Alfred E. Smith State Office Building
  • Empire State Plaza
  • State Fairgrounds – Main Gate & Expo Center
  • Niagara Falls
  • The "Franklin D. Roosevelt" Mid-Hudson Bridge
  • Grand Central Terminal - Pershing Square Viaduct
  • Albany International Airport Gateway
  • MTA LIRR - East End Gateway at Penn Station
  • Fairport Lift Bridge over the Erie Canal
  • Moynihan Train Hall
  • Roosevelt Island Lighthouse

Raising awareness about syphilis screening for pregnant individuals is a top priority this year. In New York State, providers are required to screen pregnant individuals for syphilis three times: at the first prenatal visit, between 28 and 32 weeks of pregnancy (third trimester), and at delivery. To prevent reinfection, testing and treating their sexual partner(s) must also be prioritized.

While penicillin is the gold standard for curing syphilis and preventing life-threatening complications, an ongoing national shortage requires providers to conserve long-acting Bicillin® L-A exclusively for pregnant individuals and infants. For other conditions that typically require long-acting penicillin, providers should use alternative treatments. This shortage underscores the critical need to protect our limited supply of Bicillin to preserve our progress.

In an effort to provide New Yorkers with more options for testing, diagnosis, and treatment of syphilis, we are promoting the availability of self-collection or at-home sexually transmitted infection tests and rapid point-of-care screenings for community-based organizations, clinics and hospitals.

The Department maintains the Syphilis During Pregnancy/Congenital Syphilis Landing Page which includes important information on syphilis for patients and providers.

Learn more about congenital syphilis here.