U.S. Sen. Frank Lautenberg (D-N.J.) and Rep. Frank Pallone Jr. (D-6th.) Monday stood with advocates, doctors and parents who have been affected by either a sudden infant death or stillbirth to call for action on legislation they believe would have a significant impact on preventing such loses.

"There is no greater tragedy than when a parent loses a child – but when that child is an infant, the pain is unbearable," Lautenberg said in New Brunswick. "This bill will improve the way we collect data about these deaths so that researchers have the information they need, and it will provide families with the information and support they deserve. It's time to finally unravel the mysteries behind these deaths."

Every year, there are more than 25,000 stillbirths in the United States. Many of the deaths are the result of birth defects, infections, umbilical cord problems, and chronic conditions of the mother. However, there is no known cause for as many as half of all stillbirths, leaving many parents without explanations for their loss.

“No parent should have to endure the pain of losing a child, especially without knowing why that child was taken from them so soon,” Pallone said. “Our legislation works for a better chance at life for our nation’s children and works to answer the questions parents face after they lose a child unexpectedly.”