Raising Awareness for Pregnancy and Infant Loss Month

Every October, we observe Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month—a time dedicated to honoring the lives lost during pregnancy and infancy, while standing in solidarity with families navigating the grief of such devastating losses. It is estimated that 1 in 4 pregnancies ends in miscarriage, while many others experience stillbirth, Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), or
the loss of a newborn (Mayo Clinic, 2024). These statistics highlight the widespread impact on families worldwide.

Beyond emotional support, Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month also underscores the importance of advancing medical research, expanding access to quality prenatal and postnatal care, and promoting policies that address racial disparities in maternal and infant health outcomes. For African American women in particular, pregnancy loss rates are disproportionately high, making it essential to advocate for equity in maternal care and the reduction of risk factors like preterm birth and access to timely medical interventions (Hill, 2023).

As we reflect this month, let us commit to raising awareness, supporting grieving families, and advocating for changes that ensure every pregnancy and infant is given the best chance at a healthy life.

References:
Latoya Hill, S. A., N. (2023, June 15). Racial disparities in maternal and infant health: Current
status and efforts to address them. KFF. https://www.kff.org/racial-equity-and-health-
policy/issue-brief/racial-disparities-in-maternal-and-infant-health-current-status-and-efforts-to-
address-
them/#:~:text=Black%20and%20AIAN%20women%20have,disparities%20increase%20by%20
maternal%20age.
Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. (2024, April 17). Why do miscarriages
happen?. Mayo Clinic. https://mcpress.mayoclinic.org/pregnancy/why-do-miscarriages-
happen/#:~:text=Around%201%20in%204%20recognized,a%20miscarriage%20during%20their
%20lifetimes.