H.2064 MA: An Act relative to bereavement leave for the loss of a child
Bill H.2064's Progress
SUDC Awareness Day on the Hill in Massachusetts: March 3, 2025
For March is SUDC Awareness Month
State Representative James Arciero, in partnership with the SUDC Foundation and Junie’s Place, led the charge to support Massachusetts families affected by child loss. Representative Arciero hosted SUDC Awareness Day and introduced Bill H.2064, MA: An act relative to bereavement leave for the loss of a child, a vital bill that would provide 10 days of bereavement leave—a brief yet essential window of time—for families grieving the loss of a child.
With March now officially recognized as SUDC Awareness Month in Massachusetts, we honor the 40 children gone too soon and the 62 Massachusetts family members forever impacted by Sudden Unexplained Death in Childhood (SUDC). By raising awareness and advocating for policies like Bill H.2064, we can ensure that families receive the dignity, time, and support they need to grieve and heal. Recognizing that bereavement leave is not just about policy—it is about compassion and acknowledging the lifelong impact of losing a child.
We are grateful to Representative Arciero for his leadership in recognizing the importance of bereavement support and advocating for families who have experienced the unimaginable loss of their child.
Click to the right to learn more –>
Hearing Day for Bill H.2064, MA: An act relative to bereavement leave for the loss of a child, July 22, 2025
was heard on the MA House floor
We’re honored to share that Bill H.2064, An Act Relative to Bereavement Leave for the Loss of a Child, was heard on the Massachusetts House floor on Tuesday, July 22, 2025.
Filed by State Representative James Arciero, in partnership with the SUDC Foundation and Junie’s Place, this bill would provide 10 days of bereavement leave within one year of a child’s death—a vital step toward supporting grieving families with compassion and dignity.
🗣️ Live testimony was provided by:
- Representative James Arciero
- Dr. Kristen Dillon, founder of Junie’s Place and mother of Junie
📝 Written testimony was submitted by:
- Dr. Erin Bowen, Vice President of the SUDC Foundation, mother of Conor, and pediatrician
- Lynne Sallet, mother of Carson
- Dr. Richard Goldstein, Clinical Program Director, Robert’s Program
- Alison Jacobson, CEO of First Candle
- Blyth Lord, Executive Director, Courageous Parents Network
- Kathleen C. Marchi, CEO, Samaritans Inc.
- Sarah McCarthy, PhD, MPH, ABPP, mother of Molly and Director of Psychology for the Robert’s Program on Sudden Unexpected Death in Pediatrics at Boston Children’s Hospital
- Joyal Mulheron, Executive Director of Evermore
- Jen Rogalski, Assistant Director, Empty Arms Bereavement Support
- Claire Zurheide, mother of Theodore and Program Coordinator, Bridges of Hope
Click to the right to learn more –>
Livestreamed Event https://malegislature.gov
How can you help?
Watch the hearing, share our social posts, and help #ShineALight on this important conversation.
Together, we can make space for grief—and ensure no parent is forced to choose between mourning their child and protecting their livelihood.
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