On National Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day, Schneider Leads Introduction of Bipartisan Resolution Recognizing Individuals Who Have Experienced the Loss of a Pregnancy or Infant

WASHINGTON – Today, Congressman Brad Schneider (IL-10), Anthony Gonzalez (OH-02), Lucille Roybal-Allard (CA-40), and Jaime Herrera-Beutler (WA-03) introduced a resolution recognizing individuals who have experienced the loss of a pregnancy or infant. In 2006, Congress first recognized October 15^th as "National Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day."

"Losing a pregnancy or young child is devasting. This National Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day, Congress stands with all individuals and families affected by these losses. Their experiences cannot and should not be minimized or forgotten; rather, we must remember and recognize their loss and through it find communal strength and resolve. By increasing awareness, promoting research, and providing community to those who have experienced such a loss, we can help prevent future suffering," said Congressman Brad Schneider (IL-10).

The resolution text is available below:

Supporting the designation of October 15, 2021 as "National Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day" and recognizing the people that have lost a pregnancy or an infant;

Whereas 2021 marks the 15th nationally recognized "Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day";

Whereas each year, approximately one million pregnancies in the United States end in miscarriage, stillbirth, or the death of a newborn;

Whereas pregnancy and infant loss can affect families long after their loss;

Whereas the loss of an infant or a pregnancy can negatively affect a person's mental health;

Whereas families would benefit from bereavement leave from work to take care of themselves and their families;

Whereas people who have experienced pregnancy loss or infant loss should not have their experiences minimized or stigmatized;

Whereas Congress should acknowledge the personal experiences of individuals who have lost a pregnancy or infant and empower those individuals to speak about their losses;

Whereas recognizing Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day is an opportunity to increase awareness, promote research and greater understanding, and provide community to those who have experienced pregnancy loss or infant loss;

Whereas Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day allows the people of the United States to consider how we can best support families who experience loss and work to prevent pregnancy loss and infant loss;

Resolved That the House of Representatives —

(1) supports the goals and ideals of National Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day;

(2) understands the importance of honoring these losses and supporting affected people and their families; and

(3) requests that the President issue a proclamation calling upon the people of the United States to observe such day with appropriate programs and activities.

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