(Updated September 25, 2006)

H.Con.Res. 222
Supporting the Goals and Ideals of National Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day

Floor Situation

The House is scheduled to consider H.Con.Res. 222, under suspension of the rules, on Thursday, September 28, 2006.  It is debatable for 40 minutes, may not be amended, and requires a two-thirds majority vote for passage.

Summary

H.Con.Res. 222 resolves that  the Congress supports the goals and ideals of National Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day, and requests that the President issue a proclamation calling upon the people of the United States to observe such day with appropriate programs and activities.

Background

Each year, approximately one million pregnancies in the United States end in miscarriage, stillbirth, or the death of a newborn baby. It is a great tragedy to lose the life of a child. Babies sometimes live within or outside their mothers' wombs for only a short period of time.

Even the shortest lives are still valuable, and the grief of those who mourn the loss of these lives should not be trivialized. During the past two years, Governors of all 50 States have signed proclamations designating October 15 as Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day.

The legislatures of the States of Arkansas, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Missouri, New York, Rhode Island, and South Dakota have passed concurrent resolutions recognizing October 15 of each year, as Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day.

The observance of Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day may provide validation to those who have lost a baby through miscarriage, stillbirth, or other complications.

Recognizing Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day will provide the people of the United States with an opportunity to increase their understanding of the great tragedy involved in the deaths of unborn and newborn babies.

Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day would enable the people of the United States to consider how, as individuals and communities, they can meet the needs of bereaved mothers, fathers, and family members, and work to prevent the causes of these deaths.

October 15, 2005 would be an appropriate day to observe National Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day.

Legislative History

H.Con.Res. 222 was introduced by Rep. Latham (IA) on July 27, 2005. The bill was referred to the Government Reform Committee, but was not considered.

For additional information or questions, please contact Rep. Latham's office at 5-5476.