Pennsylvania SR 171: A Resolution recognizing the month of October 2025 as "Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month" in Pennsylvania.

Bill Text

PRINTER'S NO. 1214
THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA
SENATE RESOLUTION
No. 171
Session of
2025
INTRODUCED BY CAPPELLETTI, BOSCOLA, HAYWOOD, HUGHES, COMITTA,
CULVER, L. WILLIAMS, FONTANA, MARTIN, KANE, STEFANO, COSTA,
SANTARSIERO AND VOGEL, OCTOBER 7, 2025
REFERRED TO RULES AND EXECUTIVE NOMINATIONS, OCTOBER 7, 2025
A RESOLUTION
Recognizing the month of October 2025 as "Pregnancy and Infant
Loss Awareness Month" in Pennsylvania.
WHEREAS, Every year, approximately 1 million pregnancies in
the United States end in miscarriage, stillbirth or the death of
a newborn; and
WHEREAS, Approximately 25% of all pregnancies end in
miscarriage, which is the loss of a baby before the 20th week of
pregnancy; and
WHEREAS, About 1% of all pregnancies, approximately 24,000
pregnancies, end in stillbirth, which is the loss of a baby at
or after the 20th week of pregnancy; and
WHEREAS, The primary causes of infant mortality, which is
defined as the death of an infant within the first year of life,
are birth defects, preterm birth and low birth weight, maternal
pregnancy complications, sudden infant death syndrome and
injuries; and
WHEREAS, Black parents are significantly more likely to
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experience pregnancy loss or infant death than white or Hispanic
parents, and these disparities are likely the result of lower
quality of maternal health care, socioeconomic factors and
structural racism; and
WHEREAS, The loss of a pregnancy or death of an infant are
deeply painful experiences which can affect families long after
the loss, and many parents endure these losses silently and
without the support of their workplace or larger community; and
WHEREAS, People who have experienced pregnancy loss or infant
loss should have ample opportunity to grieve, including the
ability to take bereavement leave from work; and
WHEREAS, A public that is informed and educated about
pregnancy and infant loss can better learn how to respond with
compassion to affected individuals and families; and
WHEREAS, Professionals who may engage with individuals
following pregnancy loss or infant loss, such as physicians,
clergy, emergency medical technicians, funeral directors, police
officers, public health nurses, educators and employers can
better serve families if they are better educated about these
experiences; and
WHEREAS, In 1988, the month of October was officially
proclaimed as "National Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness
Month" to recognize the grief of families, remember all the
pregnancies and infants lost and increase awareness about these
issues; and
WHEREAS, Many organizations continue to recognize pregnancy
and infant loss during the month of October; therefore be it
RESOLVED, That the Senate recognize the month of October 2025
as "Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month" in Pennsylvania.
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