Honor Pregnancy and Infant Loss

October 15, 2020, 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 Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim October 15, 2020, 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 Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim October 15, 2020, 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 Andrew M. Cuomo, Governor of the State of New York.