TITLE: Recognizing May 4, 2025, as International Bereaved Mother's Day.

SUMMARY: Recognizing May 4, 2025, as International Bereaved Mother's Day.

FULL TEXT:
WHEREAS, International Bereaved Mother's Day is being observed on May 4, 2025; and WHEREAS, The first Sunday of May is set aside each year to raise awareness of the challenges faced by women who have experienced stillbirth, sudden infant death syndrome, miscarriages, or other types of pregnancy and infant loss; in 2022, the infant mortality rate in the United States was 5.6 infant deaths per 1,000 live births, and in Texas that same year, the total number of infant deaths was 2,228; and WHEREAS, International Bereaved Mother's Day was founded in Australia in 2010 by Carly Marie Dudley, who lost her son, Christian, in childbirth; the annual observance unites people around the world in their commitment to supporting women who are mourning the loss of a child, and it encourages bereaved mothers to express their grief and to share their personal stories; and WHEREAS, Many women experiencing the death of a child feel that their sorrow is not validated or recognized by society, which can make the grieving process even more difficult; International Bereaved Mother's Day raises awareness of the impact of child loss in an effort to break the silence around the topic; the sense of solidarity that is created by the observance provides women with much-needed comfort and reinforces the message that they are not alone; and WHEREAS, International Bereaved Mother's Day also serves as a time of reflection and remembrance of the infants who have passed away; moreover, the day recognizes women who have lost a child later in life and those who cannot become mothers because of infertility issues or other health factors; and WHEREAS, The death of a child is a tragedy that profoundly alters the lives of those who love them, and International Bereaved Mother's Day provides an opportunity to focus attention on this issue and to honor the countless women who have been impacted by a loss of this type; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 89th Texas Legislature hereby recognize May 4, 2025, as International Bereaved Mother's Day and extend heartfelt sympathy to the many mothers in Texas who have lost children. Plesa Speaker of the House I certify that H.R. No. 1033 was adopted by the House on May 2, 2025, by a non-record vote. Chief Clerk of the House