Honoring Loss, Saving Lives: Ohio Establishes Stillbirth Prevention Day

In a landmark move to address one of Ohio’s most heartbreaking yet under-discussed public health challenges, Governor Mike DeWine has signed House Bill 4 into law, officially establishing September 19 as “Ohio Stillbirth Prevention Day.”

This legislation, spearheaded by Representatives Adam Holmes (R-Nashport) and Cecil Thomas (D-Cincinnati), is a significant stride toward shining a light on a painful issue that affects far too many families in silence. Ohio reports nearly 900 stillbirths annually, a rate that exceeds the national average. Startlingly, research suggests that one in three stillbirths may be preventable with improved awareness, prenatal care, and policy intervention.

Stillbirth remains a deeply personal and often stigmatized experience. The creation of Ohio Stillbirth Prevention Day aims to change that by opening up public discourse, breaking the silence, and driving policy and health system reforms that can save lives.

The establishment of a dedicated Stillbirth Prevention Day creates a platform for:

• Educational campaigns on prenatal health and early warning signs;

• Community engagement and support for bereaved families;

• Policy discussions around maternal healthcare access and disparities;

• And collaborations with medical professionals to standardize preventative protocols.

Health advocates hope this annual observance will serve as both a memorial and a motivator, ensuring that every family receives the support they need and every pregnancy gets the vigilance it deserves.

The new stillbirth legislation was signed alongside Senate Bill 20, which establishes Ohio Stroke Awareness Week during the first week of May. Together, these bills reflect a broader commitment to addressing health conditions that are both deadly and preventable.

The first Ohio Stillbirth Prevention Day will be observed on September 19, 2025, offering an opportunity for the state to collectively remember lost children, uplift grieving families, and prioritize solutions. Events may include educational panels, remembrance walks, policy forums, and community vigils.

This law places Ohio at the forefront of a national movement to not only acknowledge the reality of stillbirth, but to commit to reducing its occurrence, through science, support, and above all, compassion.