Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Day
October 15 is Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Day
Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Day is observed every year on October 15. This important day honors the lives of babies lost to miscarriage, stillbirth, Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), and other causes of infant loss. It offers grieving parents and families a chance to come together, share their stories, and find comfort in knowing they are not alone.
History of Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Day
The observance was first recognized in the United States in 1988 by President Ronald Reagan. Since then, Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Day has grown into a global movement. It shines a light on the emotional impact of pregnancy and infant loss and helps break the silence surrounding this painful experience.
How the Day Is Observed
Communities around the world hold remembrance events on October 15. These include candlelight vigils, remembrance walks, and support group gatherings.
One of the most meaningful traditions is the Wave of Light. At 7:00 PM local time, families light candles in memory of their babies. As time zones change, a continuous wave of light travels across the globe, symbolizing love, remembrance, and unity.
Awareness Colors: Pink and Blue
The awareness colors for Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Day are pink and blue. Many people wear awareness pins, ribbons, or wristbands in these colors to show support for grieving families. These symbols raise awareness and encourage compassion.
Why This Day Matters
Pregnancy and infant loss carry a deep emotional impact. Too often, parents grieve in silence. Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Day helps foster understanding, empathy, and advocacy for better bereavement support and resources.
By observing October 15 each year, we acknowledge the grief of families, honor the memories of the little lives lost, and strengthen a global community of remembrance and care.
When Is Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Day Observed?
Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Day, also known as Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day, is observed each year on October 15 during Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month. This day gives families around the world the opportunity to remember babies lost too soon and to raise awareness about the emotional challenges parents face after miscarriage, stillbirth, Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), and other causes of infant loss.
The Wave of Light
One of the most meaningful traditions on October 15 is the Worldwide Wave of Light. Families and friends across the globe unite in a shared act of remembrance:
Lighting candles – At 7:00 PM local time, people light candles and let them burn for at least one hour.
Sharing photos – Many post candle photos on social media with the hashtag #WaveofLight, connecting in solidarity.
Reading names – Parents often read aloud the names, nicknames, or due dates of babies gone too soon.
Virtual gatherings – Online events, including livestreams, bring families together to honor their children.
This tradition creates a continuous wave of candlelight around the world for 24 hours. It symbolizes love, remembrance, and hope.
Some families also add creative and symbolic touches, such as:
Tying name tags or ribbons onto a tree or plant
Painting stones with names or dates
Creating remembrance wreaths with pink and blue satin ribbons
A Missing Word for Bereaved Parents
In October 1988, U.S. President Ronald Reagan proclaimed October as Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month. In his statement, he noted:
“When a child loses his parent, they are called an orphan.
When a spouse loses her or his partner, they are called a widow or widower.
If parents lose their child, there isn’t a word to describe these bereaved parents.”
His words acknowledged not only the grief of parents but also the silence surrounding this loss. Since then, October has become a time for awareness, resources, and compassion for families affected by miscarriage, ectopic and molar pregnancy, stillbirth, birth defects, SIDS, and other causes.
How to Support a Loved One on October 15
Even small gestures can make a profound difference for grieving parents on Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Day. Consider:
Sending a handwritten note, text, or email
Lighting a candle in memory of their baby
Speaking their child’s name and honoring their grief
Attending a remembrance event together
Offering a ribbon, keepsake, or token of remembrance
For many parents, the greatest comfort is knowing their baby is remembered.
Personalized Cause® and Pregnancy & Infant Loss Awareness
At Personalized Cause®, we honor Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Day with meaningful pink and blue awareness ribbons. Personalized pins can be engraved with a child’s name, date, or a short message of love. These ribbons serve as lasting tributes to babies gone too soon and symbols of support for grieving families.
By wearing or sharing a ribbon, you raise awareness, show solidarity, and help break the silence. Every act of remembrance brings comfort and hope.
💗💙 On October 15, light a candle, say a prayer, or share a story. Together, we can honor the babies who are no longer with us, support families in grief, and strengthen a community built on love and remembrance.
In memory of my niece, Sara.
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