Today is Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Day. 1 in 4 women experience pregnancy or infant loss. This month we remember and stand beside all mothers around the world who have experienced the pain of losing a child. On October 25th, 1988 President Ronald Reagan declared October Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month by saying the following:
“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. This month recognizes the loss so many parents experience across the United States and around the world. It is also meant to inform and provide resources for parents who have lost children due to miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy, molar pregnancy, stillbirths, birth defects, SIDS, and other causes.
Now, Therefore, I, Ronald Reagan, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim the month of October as Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month. I call upon the people of the United States to observe this month with appropriate programs, ceremonies, and activities.”
President Reagan shined a light on pregnancy and infant loss in October of 1988. Please shine your light tonight at 7pm for the International Wave of Light and let our lights shine for our babies. If everyone lights a candle and keeps it burning for at least one hour, there will be a continuous wave of light over the entire world today, October 15th, Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day.