Official Proclamation: Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Day

WHEREAS October 15th is recognized worldwide and in other regions of Canada as Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Day, to symbolize our support of Nova Scotia’s Bill 179, Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Act; and

WHEREAS each Day in Canada, 5 babies die within their first year and 8 babies are stillborn; as many as 1 in 5 pregnancies end in miscarriage, one family in Nova Scotia per day experience the pain of losing a child as a result of miscarriage, stillbirth, or neonatal loss; and

WHEREAS there is a need to develop a greater awareness and understanding about the causes of pregnancy and infant loss so we can improve the healthcare provided for pregnant mothers and their babies; and

WHEREAS the existence of babies and infants deserves to be recognized; and

WHEREAS increased awareness of the causes and impacts surrounding pregnancy and infant loss may lead to greater understanding, support and resources in communities across Nova Scotia; and

WHEREAS this declaration acknowledges the unique grief of bereaved parents and demonstrates support to the many families across Canada who have suffered a loss through miscarriage, medical termination, stillbirth or the death of their infant during delivery or shortly after birth; and

WHEREAS promoting awareness of pregnancy and infant loss increases the likelihood that these families will receive understanding and support as they face the challenges of their distinctive bereavement; and

WHEREAS a day of remembrance honours the lives of the children, and supports grieving parents, grandparents, siblings, and other family members whose lives are forever altered by the heartbreak of losing a child; and

WHEREAS such activities emphasize the Town’s commitment to supporting sensitivity and encouragement to bring this cause to light; and

WHEREAS the Day is observed with remembrance ceremonies and candle-light vigils, concluding with the International Wave of Light, a worldwide lighting of candles at 7:00 p.m.; and

WHEREAS the Town of Bridgewater wishes to recognize the profound grief experienced by families who lose a baby.

THEREFORE, be it resolved that I, Mayor David MITCHELL, on behalf of Town of Bridgewater Council, do hereby declare the day of October 15th as

PREGNANCY AND INFANT LOSS AWARENESS DAY

In the Town of Bridgewater.

Dated this 13th day of October, 2026
at Bridgewater, Lunenburg County
Nova Scotia.