October is Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month. Designated by President Ronald Reagan in 1988, for the purpose of raising awareness for families who have experienced the loss of a child. This is what he said:

"When a child loses his parent, they are called an orphan. When a spouse loses her or his partner, they are called a widow or widower. When parents lose their child, there isn't a word to describe them. This month recognizes the loss so many parents experience across the United States and around the world. It is also meant to inform and provide resources for parents who have lost children due to miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy, molar pregnancy, stillbirths, birth defects, SIDS, and other causes. Now, therefore, I, Ronald Reagan, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim the month of October as Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month.  I call upon the people of the United States to observe this month with appropriate programs, ceremonies, and activities."