In 1988, President Ronald Reagan proclaimed October as Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month. This month honors the millions of families who have experienced loss of children through miscarriage, stillbirth, termination for medical reasons, or infant death.
Historically, such a loss either was not recognized as significant or was just one of those things we did not talk about, even an early miscarriage represents a profound loss for expecting parents. President Reagan said, “When a child loses his parent, they are called an orphan. When a spouse loses her or his partner, they are called a widow or widower. When parents lose their child, there isn’t a word to describe them.”
It is important not only for our society to recognize and give voice to this type of loss, but also for those who have experienced it to allow themselves to grieve and to honor the child or children they have lost.
Here are some small things you can do to honor those who have lost pregnancies and infants. Even if you have not experienced this kind of loss, anyone can participate.
- Participate in the International Wave of Light campaign by lighting a candle at 7 p.m. (your local time) on October 15. You can share photos on social media platforms using the hashtags #waveoflight, #waveoflight2022
- Join a walk or other remembrance activity on October 15 (Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Remembrance Day).
- Help spread awareness through social media.
- Ask your local government to recognize and officially proclaim October 15 Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day.
- Wear a pink and/or blue ribbon, or tie pink and blue ribbons around trees.
Many families have experienced joy after pregnancy or infant loss through the miracle of embryo donation or adoption! Visit EmbryoAdoption.org to learn more.
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