National Day

National Pregnancy And Infant Loss Remembrance Day

Celebrated on 10/15/2026

Quick Fact

National Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day is observed annually on October 15th. It was first recognized in 1988 by President Ronald Reagan, who proclaimed it as a day to acknowledge the grief of parents who have lost a child due to miscarriage, stillbirth, or infant death. The day is symbolized by the pink and blue ribbon, representing the babies lost.

Origins and Establishment of National Pregnancy And Infant Loss Remembrance Day

National Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day was established in 1988 when President Ronald Reagan issued a proclamation designating October 15th as a day to honor the lives of babies lost to miscarriage, stillbirth, or infant death. The effort was spearheaded by Robyn Bear, Lisa Brown, and Tammy Novak, who founded the National Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day organization. Their goal was to create a day of recognition for the millions of families who have experienced the profound loss of a child.

Evolution and Modern Commemoration

Since its inception, the day has grown in recognition and observance. In 2006, the U.S. Congress passed a resolution officially supporting the day, and it is now observed in many countries worldwide. Modern commemorations include the "Wave of Light," where individuals light candles at 7:00 p.m. local time to create a continuous wave of light across time zones. Many families participate in memorial walks, balloon releases, and social media campaigns using hashtags like #WaveOfLight and #PregnancyAndInfantLossRemembranceDay to share their stories and support one another.

Facts & General Observations

  • Approximately 1 in 4 pregnancies end in miscarriage, stillbirth, or infant death, affecting millions of families globally.
  • The pink and blue ribbon, symbolizing baby girls and boys, is the official awareness symbol for pregnancy and infant loss.
  • The "Wave of Light" event began in 2009 and now involves participants from over 100 countries, creating a global moment of remembrance.

Explore more celebrations, trivia, and quests on National Day Quest.