Why the UK Needs a National Day of Remembrance for Pregnancy & Infant Loss
Every year in the United Kingdom, thousands of families experience the heartbreak of losing a baby during pregnancy, at birth, or in infancy. Despite the scale of this loss, the UK still does not have an officially recognised National Day of Remembrance for Pregnancy & Infant Loss—a day dedicated to honouring the babies who should be here, and the parents who carry their memory every day.
The Latest UK Figures: A Continuing National Tragedy
Stillbirths
In 2023, there were 2,612 stillbirths across the UK, including 2,374 in England and Wales. The stillbirth rate in England and Wales remained at 4.0 per 1,000 total births, unchanged from 2022 and still higher than pre‑pandemic levels. [^1]
Neonatal and Infant Deaths
In 2023, England and Wales recorded:
- 2,320 infant deaths (under one year)
- An infant mortality rate of 3.9 deaths per 1,000 live births
[^2]
Neonatal deaths (within the first 28 days of life) remain a significant contributor to infant mortality, with 5 neonatal deaths per day estimated in England and Wales in 2023. [^1]
Miscarriage
Miscarriages are not officially recorded in the UK, but the best available estimates suggest:
- Approximately 120,000 miscarriages occurred across the UK in 2022
(based on pooled miscarriage risk and national birth data).
[^3]
Tommy’s further estimates that between 110,426 and 156,089 miscarriages occurred in England and Wales in 2022. [^1]
This lack of formal recording highlights a profound gap in how pregnancy loss is acknowledged and understood nationally.
Why 15 October Matters
15 October is recognised internationally as Pregnancy & Infant Loss Remembrance Day—a day when families around the world unite and share their journeys, take part in lighting candles at 7 pm for the Global Wave of Light, honouring babies gone too soon.
Yet in the UK, this day is not officially recognised by the government. It is acknowledged only by charities, non‑profits, and bereaved communities.
A national day would:
- Provide formal recognition of the grief parents carry
- Encourage open conversation and reduce stigma
- Highlight the need for improved maternity and bereavement care
- Support national awareness and prevention efforts
- Align the UK with countries such as the USA, Canada, Australia, and Italy (Piccolo Angeli), where the day is already recognised
Why National Recognition Is Needed Now More Than Ever
Despite improvements in some areas, the latest data shows:
- The UK’s stillbirth rate remains higher than that of many comparable countries. [^4]
- Infant mortality rates have stagnated rather than improved. [^2]
- Miscarriage data remains unrecorded, leaving thousands of families invisible in official statistics. [^3]
A National Day of Remembrance would help:
- Acknowledge the scale of loss
- Support grieving families
- Drive improvements in maternity safety and bereavement services
- Promote employer awareness and compassionate policies
- Encourage better data collection and research
Most importantly, it would ensure that every baby matters and every family’s grief is recognised.
Standing Together in Remembrance
This day would offer families a moment to:
- Honour their babies
- Connect with others who understand
- Break the silence that often surrounds pregnancy and infant loss
It is a small but powerful step toward national compassion, understanding, and change.
Show Your Support
We are calling on the UK Government to officially recognise 15 October as the National Day of Remembrance for Pregnancy & Infant Loss.
Please sign the petition and stand with bereaved families across the UK.
Luanne & Harry Rimmer
Baby Loss Advocates
