International Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day 2025 in Australia

International Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day is observed on 15 October across Australia to honor the lives of babies lost through miscarriage, stillbirth, and infant death. The day offers a space for families to grieve, reflect, and raise awareness about this often silent grief.

International Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day: A Public Holiday?

International Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day is not a public holiday in Australia, but it is a significant commemorative day dedicated to raising awareness, honoring lost lives, and offering support to grieving families and communities.

International Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day

International Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day is observed on 15 October each year. It was first recognized in the United States in 2002 and has since spread globally, including to Australia. The day was created to honor babies lost through miscarriage, stillbirth, neonatal death, and other causes. It offers grieving families a way to remember their children and raise awareness about a loss that is often experienced in silence.

In Australia, the day has grown in recognition over the years, with more individuals, organizations, and healthcare services supporting it. Various awareness campaigns, support groups, and remembrance activities have helped bring attention to the emotional impact of pregnancy and infant loss. Though it is not a public holiday, the day plays an important role in giving voice to families, reducing stigma, and encouraging conversations around grief, healing, and support.

Observance of International Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day in Australia

International Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day is marked across Australia with quiet reflection, support events, and acts of remembrance. On 15 October, many families light candles at 7:00 pm as part of the "Wave of Light," a global movement where time zones around the world join together to honor babies lost too soon. The lighting of a candle creates a moment of peace and connection for parents, siblings, and loved ones who have experienced such loss.

Support organizations, hospitals, and local councils may hold special remembrance services, walks, or community gatherings. These events give people a space to share their stories, connect with others who understand their grief, and honor their children's memory in a meaningful way. Social media also plays a big role, with people posting messages, names, and photos to raise awareness and break the silence surrounding pregnancy and infant loss.

The importance of this day lies in its message of compassion, remembrance, and solidarity. For many, it is one of the few times their loss is publicly acknowledged. It provides comfort to families who often feel isolated in their grief. By encouraging open conversations, the day also helps reduce stigma and promote better emotional support for those affected. Although it is not a public holiday, International Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day is deeply meaningful to countless families across Australia. It brings comfort, awareness, and a shared space for healing, making sure that even the shortest lives are never forgotten.

International Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day Observances