Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month

Proclamation

By the Governor of Alabama

WHEREAS, Pregnancy and infant loss has typically been a taboo subject. This could be due to the fact that even in today’s technologically, advanced world, there has been no significant decline in the amount of miscarriages, still births or infant loss in decades.

WHEREAS, one in every four pregnancies will end in death either before birth or shortly after. In 2014, over 23,000 infants died before the age of one; and

WHEREAS, in 1988, President Ronald Reagan recognized an increase in pregnancy and infant loss and declared October as Pregnancy and Infant Loss month; and

WHEREAS, the families of these babies want to know why their child died and what can be done to prevent it from happening again. There needs to be more research into the numerous issues that cause babies to die. Most early miscarriages, as many as 60 percent of first trimester miscarriages, will remain unexplained; and

WHEREAS, too often, mothers and fathers of miscarriage and infant loss grieve in silence. Even close family and friends of the affected parents, refuse to mention the child’s name for fear of causing the parents more pain. These angel babies had names and should never be forgotten. The voices of the mothers who carried these precious children need to be heard. They have earned that right and they must receive support from their family, friends, co-workers and fellow Alabama citizens to freely and unashamedly celebrate the life of their baby, no matter how short that life was:

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Robert Bentley, Governor of Alabama, do hereby proclaim the month of October 2016, as

Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month

in the State of Alabama. I call upon all Alabamians to observe this month with appropriate programs, ceremonies, and activities to raise awareness about the pregnancy and infant loss epidemic.

Given Under My Hand and the Great Seal of the Office of the Governor at the State Capitol in the City of Montgomery on the 1st day of October 2016.

Robert Bentley

Governor