Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day

Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day is a day of remembrance for all pregnancies which end in miscarriage, stillbirth or the death of a newborn. It is recognized on October 15 of each year.

History
Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day was thought of by Robyn Bear. After having had six miscarriages with little to no support, she felt a day was needed for parents, grandparents, siblings, friends, and the world to unite and remember these beloved babies. Knowing she couldn't do this alone, she shared her thoughts with Lisa Brown and they decided to do what they could to make this day happen. H.CON.RES.222, House Resolution #222 Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day, October 15 of every year went to a vote in the House Of Representatives September 28th, 2006. The United States Congress now recognizes October 15 as Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day.Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day is recognized throughout the United States and Canada with Remembrance Ceremonies and candle lighting Vigils which coincides with an International Wave of Light with participants lighting candles at 7:00 p.m. around the world to honor and remember our children.

Creation
Through the lobbying efforts of Terra-Lynn Coggan, a Saint John resident with the assistance of Saint John-Champlain MLA Roly MacIntyre, New Brunswick Minister of Health and Wellness, Hon. Elvy Robichaud did declare October 15 to be Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day.

"Miscarriage and infant death are a source of grief, often silent, for mothers, fathers, siblings and grandparents." To recognize this loss, Hon. Elvy Robichaud, New Brunswick Minister of Health and Wellness declared October 15 to be Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day, October 12, 2005.

He called on provincial residents to help promote "support, education and awareness for grieving parents who have lost infants during pregnancy or shortly after birth."