By Bob Katzen
Senate 38-0, approved and sent to the House a bill that would establish October 15th as Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Day to increase public awareness of the prevalence of pregnancy loss and the physical and mental toll individuals face following a pregnancy loss. The day would also include loss from an unsuccessful round of intrauterine insemination or of an assisted reproductive technology procedure, a failed adoption arrangement, a failed surrogacy arrangement, a diagnosis or event that impacts pregnancy or fertility, a stillbirth or the death of the newborn child.
“For many people, the journey to starting a family is a joyful time filled with hope and excitement for the future,” said sponsor Sen. Paul Feeney (D-Foxborough). “For others, the path is devastating and a constant reminder of what could have been. I filed this legislation on behalf of families like mine: those that may have heard a slight heartbeat, only to have that flicker disappear at the next visit; those enduring IVF treatment, only to see their hopes dashed; and those who gave birth to a baby who was already an angel. These forms of loss are heartbreaking beyond words, yet far more common than we may realize.”
Feeney continued, “It is my hope that by designating October 15th as Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Day, we can create the space to recognize this form of loss, bring hope where there is despair and hold all those impacted in a collective embrace.”
(A “Yes” vote is for the bill.)
Sen. Patricia Jehlen Yes