Pennsylvania HR 233: A Resolution recognizing October 15, 2025, as "Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day" and the month of October 2025 as "Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month" in Pennsylvania.

Bill Text

PRINTER'S NO. 1673
THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA
HOUSE RESOLUTION
No. 233
Session of
2025
INTRODUCED BY M. BROWN, COOK, KAZEEM, KUTZ, BERNSTINE, KAUFFMAN,
GALLAGHER AND ROWE, MAY 8, 2025
REFERRED TO COMMITTEE ON HEALTH, MAY 8, 2025
A RESOLUTION
Recognizing October 15, 2025, as "Pregnancy and Infant Loss
Remembrance Day" and the month of October 2025 as "Pregnancy
and Infant Loss Awareness Month" in Pennsylvania.
WHEREAS, Each year, approximately 1 million pregnancies in
the United States end in miscarriage, stillbirth or the death of
a newborn baby; and
WHEREAS, The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
reported 613,383 induced abortions in the United States in 2022,
reflecting additional pregnancy losses that carry profound
emotional weight for many women and families, underscoring the
importance of community-based support; and
WHEREAS, In this Commonwealth, the Department of Health
reported 35,412 induced abortions in 2023, representing
pregnancy outcomes that may bring significant emotional
challenges for many women and families, calling for greater
awareness of their support needs; and
WHEREAS, It is a great tragedy to lose the life of a child;
and
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WHEREAS, The loss of a pregnancy or infant is a deeply
painful experience that affects families long after the event,
often leaving parents to grieve without adequate support from
their workplaces or communities; and
WHEREAS, This grief is profound and widespread, with
approximately 15 to 20% of clinically recognized pregnancies in
this Commonwealth ending in miscarriage, an estimated 800
stillbirths annually and a neonatal mortality rate of 3.9 per
1,000 live births; and
WHEREAS, The primary causes of infant mortality, defined as
the death of an infant within the first year of life, include
birth defects, preterm birth and low birth weight, maternal
pregnancy complications, sudden infant death syndrome and
injuries; and
WHEREAS, Despite these being profound and significant
experiences, many parents and families struggle to openly
discuss the grief and trauma of miscarriage, stillbirth or
infant loss; and
WHEREAS, To address these significant losses, the United
States Congress, in 1988, designated the month of October as
"Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month," with President
Ronald Reagan issuing a proclamation to observe this month and
recognize the grief of affected families; and
WHEREAS, On September 28, 2006, the United States Congress
passed House Concurrent Resolution 222, supporting the goals and
ideals of "National Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day"
to raise awareness and foster compassion for those who have
experienced such losses; and
WHEREAS, In this Commonwealth, pregnancy resource centers
provide critical support to women facing pregnancy or infant
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loss, offering counseling, including abortion grief counseling
for those navigating emotional challenges post-abortion, as well
as medical referrals material assistance and emotional support
to help them process their grief; and
WHEREAS, An informed public can foster greater community
compassion for those experiencing pregnancy and infant loss,
creating a culture of support and understanding; and
WHEREAS, Professionals such as physicians, clergy, emergency
medical technicians, funeral directors, police officers, public
health nurses, educators and employers can better serve families
if educated about pregnancy and infant loss and the resources
available, including those provided by pregnancy resource
centers; and
WHEREAS, Many organizations across this Commonwealth,
including health care providers, support groups and community
nonprofits, actively recognize pregnancy and infant loss during
October by hosting events, offering counseling, creating spaces
for awareness, remembrance and healing and fostering compassion
for grieving families; therefore be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives recognize October
15, 2025, as "Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day" and the
month of October 2025 as "Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness
Month" in Pennsylvania.
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