SJR67

A Joint Resolution designating October of each year as "Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Month" in New Jersey.

Whereas, According to a National Vital Statistics Report issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in 2011, 16.9%, or 1,118,000, of the 6,578,000 pregnancies in the United States ended in either a miscarriage or stillbirth; and

Whereas, The CDC also indicates that in 2011 the number of live births in the United States was 3,953,593 and of those births, 23,910 ended in the death of an infant under the age of one; and

Whereas, The Department of Health's Center for Health Statistics reports that in 2011, 103,886 live births were recorded in New Jersey and of those, 447 ended in a fetal death; and

Whereas, Infant mortality is attributable to the underlying health of the mother, public health practices, socioeconomic conditions, and the availability and use of appropriate health care for infants and pregnant women.

Whereas, These factors are often linked to the medical disorders, including short gestation, low birth weight, congenital malformation, and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), that rank among the leading causes of infant death; and

Whereas, While over the last 50 years there has been a decline in infant mortality rates due to improved access to health care, advances in neonatal medicine, and public health education campaigns, far too many of this country's children still do not survive through birth and infancy; and

Whereas, The availability of information about pregnancy and infant loss and a strong support system is of the utmost importance to families who suffer the loss of a child; and

Whereas, Professionals who come into contact with individuals who have suffered a miscarriage, stillbirth or the death of a child, such as physicians, nurses, clergy, emergency medical technicians, funeral directors, police officers, and employers, can better serve these individuals and their families if they have special training and a better understanding of the impact pregnancy and infant loss can have on those who experience such traumatic events; and

Whereas, Public awareness and education is critical to the prevention of pregnancy and infant loss and to learning how to respond with compassion toward families affected by the loss of a child; and

Whereas, The goal of "Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day" is to honor all those who have survived a pregnancy loss or lost a child, recognize the grief suffered by families who experience such loss, help comfort and encourage the healing of families in their time of need, and give those who have endured such a traumatic event hope that in the future, the number of women who suffer pregnancy and infant loss can be reduced and the majority of infants can be born healthy, safe, and free from harm; now, therefore,

Be It Resolved by the Senate and General Assembly of the State of New Jersey:

1. October of each year is designated as "Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Month" in New Jersey in order to honor all those who have survived a pregnancy loss or lost a child, recognize the grief suffered by families who experience such loss, help comfort and encourage the healing of families in their time of need, and give those who have endured such a traumatic event hope that in the future, the number of women who suffer pregnancy and infant loss can be reduced and the majority of infants can be born healthy, safe, and free from harm.

2. The Governor is requested to annually issue a proclamation calling upon public officials and the citizens of this State to observe "Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Month" with appropriate activities and programs.

3. This joint resolution shall take effect immediately.

STATEMENT

This joint resolution declares October of each year as "Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Month " in New Jersey in order to honor all those who have survived a pregnancy loss or lost a child, recognize the grief suffered by families who experience such loss, help comfort and encourage the healing of families in their time of need, and give those who have endured such a traumatic event hope that in the future, the number of women who suffer pregnancy and infant loss can be reduced and the majority of infants can be born healthy, safe, and free from harm.