Oct. 15 is Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day

October was named National Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month in 1988 by President Ronald Reagan. In 2006, Oct. 15 was declared a specific day of recognition following efforts by a group of miscarriage awareness activists led by Robyn Bear, who had six miscarriages of her own from 1997—1999.

At Bothwell Regional Health Center, staff in the Women’s Health and Newborn Care unit have organized a local event to mark the day since 2019. That year, a lilac tree was planted southeast of the Education Center at 600 E. 14th Street.

This year’s event is at 6:30 pm, Friday, Oct. 15 and will be held outside around the lilac tree. Refreshments will be available, and Dr. Michael Carozza with Bothwell OB/GYN Associates will give remarks. The lilac tree will be lit and attendees may light candles to remember all babies who are no longer here.

T-shirts are available to order at https://brhcfoundation.ejoinme.org/PILRD2021 and proceeds will fund a paved stone path around the tree. Short-sleeve tees are $15 and long-sleeve tees are $20. Orders are due by Sept. 13. T-shirts will also be available for purchase at the event.

While these babies’ lives were brief, they were meaningful; and we will remember them together.