Senate designates October as Pregnancy, Infant, and Childhood Loss Awareness Month

OKLAHOMA CITY – The Senate has given unanimous approval to a measure aimed at raising awareness and better supporting the loss of unborn babies, newborns and children in Oklahoma.  Senate Bill 837, by Sen. Darrell Weaver, R-Moore, designates the month of October as Pregnancy, Infant, and Childhood Loss Awareness Month.

“While pregnancy is a time of excitement and anticipation, tragically, many families suffer the unthinkable loss of their unborn child, their baby or child,” Weaver said.  “The reality is that about one in four women in our country suffers a miscarriage, stillbirth or infant loss.  By proclaiming a yearly month to bring attention to this, we’re honoring and remembering those who’ve experienced such a tragic loss.”

It’s a topic Weaver knows firsthand.  He lost a child to brain cancer.

“We’ve all heard it said there is no greater loss than the loss of a child.  There’s nothing that changes your life more than when you’re holding your 14-year-old daughter’s hand when she takes her last breath,” Weaver said. “I’m thankful for the opportunity to support Oklahoma parents who have endured such losses.”

Weaver said there are many local and nonprofit groups throughout the state to support parents who have experienced the death of a child, such as Kids Joining Eternity, the Jaxon Kade Foundation, The Paisley Project, Oklahoma Family Network, Oklahoma Mothers’ Milk Bank, and Wyatt’s Wings. These and other organizations can help support families experiencing tragedy as they move forward.

SB 837 now moves to the House of Representatives.  The House principal author is Rep. Jay Steagall, R-Yukon.

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For more information, contact:

Sen. Darrell Weaver at 405-521-5569 or email Darrell.Weaver@oksenate.gov.