HR 9133 2003
1	House Resolution
2	A resolution designating October 15, 2003, as "Pregnancy
3	and Infant Loss Remembrance Day" in Florida.
4
5	WHEREAS, an overwhelming number of American families suffer
6	the heartbreak of miscarriage, stillbirth, or infant loss each
7	year, and, while no account is kept of miscarriages of
8	pregnancies from conception to 20 weeks, the Florida Vital
9	Statistics Annual Report 2001 records 1,668 fetal deaths, 20
10	weeks gestation to full term; 980 neonatal deaths, birth to 28
11	days; and 1,495 infant deaths, under 1 year, and
12	WHEREAS, because of the nature of miscarriages and
13	stillbirths and the lack of understanding of pregnancy loss and
14	infant death, families that suffer these tragedies often must
15	bear their pain and sorrow in private without an opportunity to
16	grieve openly, and
17	WHEREAS, informed, compassionate support from family
18	members, friends, and the community is vital to individuals and
19	families who are coping with the loss of a child, whether by
20	miscarriage or by death, and
21	WHEREAS, it is of utmost importance that the public,
22	including friends and family members as well as professionals
23	such as health care providers, clergy, funeral directors, and
24	law enforcement officers, be informed and trained in matters
25	pertaining to pregnancy and infant loss and their devastating
26	effects on those who experience such losses, NOW, THEREFORE,
27
28	Be It Resolved by the House of Representatives of the State of
29	Florida:
30
31	That the House of Representatives extends its heartfelt
32	sympathy to all who have suffered a pregnancy or infant loss,
33	calls upon all Floridians to become better informed as to the
34	causes of these tragic occurrences and thus better equipped to
35	offer much-needed support to those who are bearing the resultant
36	pain and grief, and hereby designates October 15, 2003, as
37	"Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day" in Florida.
38	BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this resolution be
39	presented to Lisa Brown as a tangible token of the sentiments
40	expressed herein.