National Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Day
National Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Day is observed annually on October 15th to honor and remember the babies lost through miscarriage, stillbirth, or infant death. This day serves as a poignant reminder of the grief experienced by many families and aims to raise awareness about the prevalence of pregnancy loss, which is often a stigmatized topic.
Quick Facts
- When is it?: October 15th
- Tagged as: Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day
- What’s the hashtag?: #PregnancyAndInfantLossAwarenessDay
- When was it founded?: October 15, 2002
- Who founded it?: Robyn Bear, Lisa Brown, and Tammy Novak initiated the campaign for this observance.
History of Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day
The observance began in the United States when President Ronald Reagan declared October as Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month in 1988. In 2002, activists Robyn Bear, Lisa Brown, and Tammy Novak campaigned for a specific day to remember those lost. Their efforts led to the formal recognition of October 15th as Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day by the U.S. House of Representatives in 2006.
Timeline
- 1988: President Reagan proclaims October as Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month.
- 2002: First observance of Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day initiated by activists.
- 2006: U.S. House of Representatives passes Concurrent Resolution 222 recognizing the day.
- 2016: All 50 states in the U.S. officially recognize October 15th.
- 2021: Australia officially recognizes Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day.
Dates by Next Year 2025 to 2030
| Year | Month and Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | October 15 | Wednesday |
| 2026 | October 15 | Thursday |
| 2027 | October 15 | Friday |
| 2028 | October 15 | Sunday |
| 2029 | October 15 | Monday |
| 2030 | October 15 | Tuesday |
Observed
Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Day is observed through various activities, including candle-lighting ceremonies at 7 PM local time, known as the “Wave of Light,” where individuals light candles to create a wave of light across time zones in memory of lost babies.
Fun Facts About Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Day
- Approximately 1 in 4 pregnancies end in miscarriage.
- The day encourages open discussions about pregnancy loss, combating the stigma surrounding it.
- Many public figures have shared their experiences with pregnancy loss, helping to raise awareness.
Quiz
- What date is National Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Day?
- Answer: October 15th
- Who were the founders of this observance?
- Answer: Robyn Bear, Lisa Brown, and Tammy Novak
- What significant event occurred in 1988 related to this observance?
- Answer: President Reagan proclaimed October as Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month.
FAQs
Q: Why is this day important?
A: It raises awareness about pregnancy loss, supports grieving families, and encourages open discussions about a common yet often stigmatized experience.
Q: How can people participate?
A: Individuals can participate by lighting candles at 7 PM on October 15th or attending local remembrance events.
Related
- Miscarriage Awareness Month
- Baby Loss Awareness Week
- World Prematurity Day
- Early Miscarriage Awareness Day