Assembly Resolution No. 644

BY: M. of A. Sillitti

MEMORIALIZING Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim
October 15, 2023, as Pregnancy and Infant Loss
Remembrance Day in the State of New York

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize
official days that are set aside to increase awareness of serious issues
that affect the lives of citizens of New York State; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
memorialize Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim October 15, 2023, as
Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day in the State of New York, in
conjunction with the observance of World Pregnancy and Infant Loss
Remembrance Day; and

WHEREAS, Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day is a day of
remembrance for pregnancy loss and infant death, which includes, however
is not limited to, miscarriage, stillbirth, SIDS, and the death of a
newborn; and

WHEREAS, Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day is observed on
October 15th of each year in Canada, United States, United Kingdom,
Australia, New South Wales, New Zealand, Italy, Ireland, Denmark,
France, Norway, Kenya, Latin America, Central America, South America,
Russia, Germany, South Africa, Japan, China and Kyrgyzstan, with more
countries joining in observation each year; and

WHEREAS, This auspicious day is observed with remembrance ceremonies
and candle-lighting vigils, concluding with the Lights of Love
International Wave of Light, a worldwide lighting of candles and
campaign illuminations which circumnavigate the globe beginning at 7:00
p.m. in each respective time zone; and

WHEREAS, Furthermore, the official awareness colors of the cause are
light pink and baby blue, and are synonymous with the campaign's
awareness ribbon; and

WHEREAS, Tens of thousands of families across the United States are
devastated each year by the death of a baby, yet the grief of these
families and the value of their babies' lives are very rarely
acknowledged; and

WHEREAS, In 1988, United States President Ronald Reagan declared
October as a month to recognize the unique grief of bereaved parents in
an effort to demonstrate support to the many families who have suffered
such a tragic loss; and

WHEREAS, Promoting awareness of pregnancy and infant loss not only
increases the likelihood that grieving families will receive
understanding and support, but also results in improved education and
prevention efforts which may ultimately reduce the incidence of these
tragedies; and

WHEREAS, Additionally, October's NeverBeStill campaign seeks to
break the silence surrounding stillbirth and other pregnancy/infant
losses by not only educating the public about ways to support bereaved
families but also empowering expectant mothers to have a healthy
pregnancy; and

WHEREAS, It is a great tragedy to lose the life of a child; 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, It is imperative that there be greater awareness of this
serious health issue, and more must be done to increase activity at the
local, State and National levels; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
memorialize Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim October 15, 2023, as
Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day in the State of New York; and
be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to The Honorable Kathy Hochul, Governor of the State of New
York.