Each year, approximately one million pregnancies
in the United States end in miscarriage, stillbirth, or the
death of a newborn baby and Sen. Judy Eason McIntyre has authored
a concurrent resolution mourning these deaths. SCR 25, co-authored
by Rep. Mike Shelton, also designates October 15, 2007 as "Pregnancy
and Infant Loss Remembrance Day" in Oklahoma.
"Losing a child is such a traumatic experience for families
regardless of which phase they are in their lives. It's still
a loss of life and it's devastating," said Eason McIntyre,
D-Tulsa. "This resolution is our way of showing those families
that we care, and that they're in our thoughts and prayers."
Recognition of October 15 as Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance
Day has garnered supports from all levels of government. Governors
from all 50 states have signed proclamations designating the
special day. Many state legislatures have passed concurrent
resolutions; and on September 28, 2006, the U.S. House of Representatives
passed HCR 222 also recognizing the day of remembrance.
The senator explained that officials hope to achieve many goals
by having such a day. The first and foremost goal is have information
and support available to families who suffer from pregnancy
and infant loss. Second, it will help inform and educate the
public so they can better learn how to respond with compassion.
Finally, it will enable professional to better serve these families.
"It is our hope that this day of remembrance will provide
some comfort for these hurting families," said Eason McIntyre.
"By designating a day, it will also help communities raise
awareness about these tragedies and help them consider how,
as individuals and communities, they can meet the needs of bereaved
mothers, fathers, and family members as well as work to prevent
the causes of these deaths."
The senator was joined on the floor by Ronda Lawmaster and Erica
Blystone who requested the resolution to help raise awareness
of infant loss in the state and the impact it has on Oklahoma
families. Their husbands T.C. Lawmaster and Dan Blystone were
in the gallery.
For more information contact:
Senator Eason McIntyre's Office: (405) 521-5598
