Massachusetts Sets Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Day
The new designation recognizes families across the state who have experienced miscarriage, stillbirth, or infant loss.
Updated on Oct. 15, 2026 in Pregnancy
Governor Maura Healey has officially proclaimed October 15 as Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Day in Massachusetts. The designation aims to honor families who have experienced miscarriage, stillbirth, or infant loss while encouraging open dialogue across the state.
Why it matters
This proclamation encourages health care providers and community members to foster supportive conversations around pregnancy loss. By reducing the stigma associated with bereavement, the state seeks to better support families navigating these profound losses.
Approximately 250 families in Massachusetts experience a stillbirth each year. Nationally, over 1 million pregnancies end annually in miscarriage, stillbirth, or infant death.
The players
Maura Healey
The current Governor of Massachusetts who signed the proclamation recognizing pregnancy and infant loss.
Empty Arms Bereavement Support
A Florence-based nonprofit organization that provides peer support and bereavement services to families following pregnancy or infant loss.
Kimberley Driscoll
The current Lieutenant Governor of Massachusetts who co-signed the proclamation.
William Francis Galvin
The current Secretary of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts who served as a signatory on the proclamation.
The details
The designation recognizes a broad range of experiences including miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy, stillbirth, and infant death. It was established following a formal request from two local mothers associated with the Florence-based nonprofit Empty Arms Bereavement Support. The proclamation highlights that preterm birth, low birth weight, and birth defects remain leading causes of infant mortality.
Timeline
October 1, 2026: Governor Healey signed the official proclamation.
October 15, 2026: Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Day occurs.
The Home Front
This state-level proclamation aligns with broader national efforts to formalize recognition for the unique bereavement needs of families. It reflects a growing trend in state policy to institutionalize support for households following reproductive and infant health crises.
Families affected by pregnancy or infant loss can connect with local resources like Empty Arms Bereavement Support for peer-based services. Residents are encouraged to use this day to foster supportive community conversations regarding bereavement.
The takeaway
This proclamation creates a dedicated space for reflection and support for families throughout the state. Families seeking connection can reach out to local bereavement organizations to access peer-led support resources.
Further reading
Learn more about local support services in the Massachusetts Pregnancy section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by 22 News WWLP.
