October is dedicated to Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness, aiming to honor the countless families who have endured the pain of losing children through miscarriage, stillbirth, termination for medical reasons, or infant death.
In the past, such losses were often overlooked or kept in silence, even though early miscarriages represented profound losses for hopeful parents. It is crucial for society to acknowledge and give a voice to this type of grief. Additionally, those who have experienced such loss should allow themselves to grieve and pay tribute to the children they have lost.
In 1988, President Ronald Reagan officially declared October as Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month, highlighting the absence of a specific term for parents who lose their child, unlike "orphan" or "widow/widower."
To honor those who have suffered pregnancy and infant loss, consider participating in the International Wave of Light campaign on October 15. Light a candle at 7 p.m. (local time) and share your photos using #waveoflight. Joining a walk or remembrance activity, spreading awareness on social media, urging local government recognition of October 15 as Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day, wearing pink and/or blue ribbons, and joining support groups for grieving families or those facing infertility are impactful ways to contribute.
It's worth noting that joy can be found after pregnancy or infant loss through the miracle of embryo adoption, as facilitated by the Snowflakes Embryo Adoption Program. Learn more at Snowflakes.org.
By Beth Button
