October 2024: Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month

WHEREAS, Pregnancy and Infant Loss is a common occurrence that is often not widely discussed; and,

WHEREAS, tragically, approximately 5 infant deaths occur for every 1000 births in the United States; and,

WHEREAS, in 2022 there were 650 infant deaths in Michigan; and,

WHEREAS, such death has occurred through miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy, molar pregnancy, stillbirth, neonatal death, birth defects, sudden unexplained death of a child (SUDC), sleep-related deaths including Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), illness, accidents, and all other types of infants and early childhood death; and,

WHEREAS, the loss of a child is a traumatic and heartbreaking event as families recognize that even a short life is impactful, and the grief of those who mourn the loss of these lives should be remembered by a compassionate public; the observance of Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month aims to provide some comfort to those who have lost a child through miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy, stillbirth, infant loss or other complications; and,

WHEREAS, increased awareness of the causes and impacts surrounding pregnancy and infant loss may lead to greater understanding, support, and resources in communities across Michigan: and,

WHEREAS, a month of remembrance honors the lives of children taken far too soon and supports grieving parents, grandparents, siblings, and other family members whose lives are forever altered by the heartbreak of losing a child; and,

WHEREAS, those parents and families require support and understanding during their time of grief; and,

WHEREAS, promoting awareness of the challenges faced by those parents and families is a positive means of establishing support and understanding;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Gretchen Whitmer, governor of Michigan, do hereby proclaim October 2024 as Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month in Michigan.