HR 233 — A Resolution recognizing October 15, 2025, as "Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day" and the month of October 2025 as "Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month" in Pennsylvania.

PRINTER'S NO.    1673

                     THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA



              HOUSE RESOLUTION
                 No. 233
                                                 Session of
                                                   2025

     INTRODUCED BY M. BROWN, COOK, KAZEEM, KUTZ, BERNSTINE, KAUFFMAN,
        GALLAGHER AND ROWE, MAY 8, 2025

     REFERRED TO COMMITTEE ON HEALTH, MAY 8, 2025


                                  A RESOLUTION
 1   Recognizing October 15, 2025, as "Pregnancy and Infant Loss
 2      Remembrance Day" and the month of October 2025 as "Pregnancy
 3      and Infant Loss Awareness Month" in Pennsylvania.
 4         WHEREAS, Each year, approximately 1 million pregnancies in
 5   the United States end in miscarriage, stillbirth or the death of
 6   a newborn baby; and
 7         WHEREAS, The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
 8   reported 613,383 induced abortions in the United States in 2022,
 9   reflecting additional pregnancy losses that carry profound
10   emotional weight for many women and families, underscoring the
11   importance of community-based support; and
12         WHEREAS, In this Commonwealth, the Department of Health
13   reported 35,412 induced abortions in 2023, representing
14   pregnancy outcomes that may bring significant emotional
15   challenges for many women and families, calling for greater
16   awareness of their support needs; and
17         WHEREAS, It is a great tragedy to lose the life of a child;
18   and
 1      WHEREAS, The loss of a pregnancy or infant is a deeply
 2   painful experience that affects families long after the event,
 3   often leaving parents to grieve without adequate support from
 4   their workplaces or communities; and
 5      WHEREAS, This grief is profound and widespread, with
 6   approximately 15 to 20% of clinically recognized pregnancies in
 7   this Commonwealth ending in miscarriage, an estimated 800
 8   stillbirths annually and a neonatal mortality rate of 3.9 per
 9   1,000 live births; and
10      WHEREAS, The primary causes of infant mortality, defined as
11   the death of an infant within the first year of life, include
12   birth defects, preterm birth and low birth weight, maternal
13   pregnancy complications, sudden infant death syndrome and
14   injuries; and
15      WHEREAS, Despite these being profound and significant
16   experiences, many parents and families struggle to openly
17   discuss the grief and trauma of miscarriage, stillbirth or
18   infant loss; and
19      WHEREAS, To address these significant losses, the United
20   States Congress, in 1988, designated the month of October as
21   "Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month," with President
22   Ronald Reagan issuing a proclamation to observe this month and
23   recognize the grief of affected families; and
24      WHEREAS, On September 28, 2006, the United States Congress
25   passed House Concurrent Resolution 222, supporting the goals and
26   ideals of "National Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day"
27   to raise awareness and foster compassion for those who have
28   experienced such losses; and
29      WHEREAS, In this Commonwealth, pregnancy resource centers
30   provide critical support to women facing pregnancy or infant

20250HR0233PN1673                   - 2 -
 1   loss, offering counseling, including abortion grief counseling
 2   for those navigating emotional challenges post-abortion, as well
 3   as medical referrals material assistance and emotional support
 4   to help them process their grief; and
 5      WHEREAS, An informed public can foster greater community
 6   compassion for those experiencing pregnancy and infant loss,
 7   creating a culture of support and understanding; and
 8      WHEREAS, Professionals such as physicians, clergy, emergency
 9   medical technicians, funeral directors, police officers, public
10   health nurses, educators and employers can better serve families
11   if educated about pregnancy and infant loss and the resources
12   available, including those provided by pregnancy resource
13   centers; and
14      WHEREAS, Many organizations across this Commonwealth,
15   including health care providers, support groups and community
16   nonprofits, actively recognize pregnancy and infant loss during
17   October by hosting events, offering counseling, creating spaces
18   for awareness, remembrance and healing and fostering compassion
19   for grieving families; therefore be it
20      RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives recognize October
21   15, 2025, as "Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day" and the
22   month of October 2025 as "Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness
23   Month" in Pennsylvania.




20250HR0233PN1673                 - 3 -