2023 House Resolution 149

Whereas, Each year, approximately one million pregnancies in the United States end in miscarriage, stillbirth, or the death of a newborn baby. It is a great tragedy to lose the life of a child. Babies sometimes live within or outside their mothers’ wombs for only a short period of time. Even the shortest lives are still valuable and the grief of those who mourn the loss of these lives should not be trivialized; and

Whereas, The observance of Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day may provide validation to those who have lost a baby through miscarriage, stillbirth, or infant death; and

Whereas, A public that is informed and educated about miscarriage, stillbirth, and infant loss can better learn how to respond with compassion to affected families. Professionals who come in contact with families who have suffered such losses, such as physicians, clergy, emergency medical technicians, funeral directors, police officers, public health nurses, educators, and employers, can better serve families if they have better knowledge of pregnancy and infant loss; and

Whereas, Recognizing Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day will provide the people of the state of Michigan with an opportunity to increase their understanding of the great tragedy involved in the deaths of unborn and newborn babies; and

Whereas, Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day will enable the people of Michigan to consider how, as individuals and communities, they can meet the needs of bereaved mothers, fathers, and family members, and work to prevent the causes of these deaths; now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the House of Representatives, That the members of this legislative body declare October 15, 2023, as Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day in the state of Michigan. We support the goals and ideals of National Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day; and be it further

Resolved, That we recognize the grief of the families who have experienced miscarriage, stillbirth, or infant loss and wish to help heal and comfort these families in a time of pain and heartache, to give the families hope for the future, and to assist women and families across the state in understanding their experience.