Singer-songwriter Christina Perri brought a personal story to the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors this week, advocating for greater awareness of a condition that increases the risk of pregnancy loss.

Perri, known for hit songs like “Jar of Hearts,” “A Thousand Years,” and “Human,” testified Tuesday about her experience with antiphospholipid syndrome (APS), an autoimmune condition linked to blood clots and complications like miscarriage and stillbirth. She shared that she received her diagnosis after experiencing a miscarriage and the stillbirth of her daughter, Rosie, in 2020.

Before the board, Perri described the loss of her daughter, whose heart stopped beating just weeks before her due date. Perri told the supervisors, “It was the absolute worst experience I could have ever imagined,” recounting how she birthed, held, and said goodbye to Rosie.

Perri explained that her obstetrician suggested APS testing after her second loss. The diagnosis, she said, brought a realization that “this was preventable.” Perri expressed her belief that “if I had known I had APS, I would have taken blood thinner, and Rosie would be here.”

In response, the Board of Supervisors unanimously approved a motion from Supervisor Janice Hahn, co-authored by board Chair Hilda Solis. The motion designates November 24, 2026, as APS Awareness Day in Los Angeles County, a date that would have marked Rosie’s birthday.

Beyond the declaration, the motion also directs the county’s Public Health and Health Services departments to create and distribute educational materials about APS. These materials will cover information on testing, available services, and other resources for residents.

Supervisor Hahn emphasized the importance of early detection, stating that “APS is treatable, but you have to know you have it.” She explained her goal to increase awareness, particularly among pregnant women, to help more people get tested and avoid similar heartbreak. Board Chair Solis added that communities need “clear, culturally and linguistically appropriate information about APS, including how to recognize its symptoms and get tested.” This, Solis noted, is crucial to help ensure that all pregnant people in Los Angeles County can deliver a healthy baby.

The county’s information indicates that APS can be identified via a blood test and managed with blood thinners. It is a significant factor, accounting for 15% of recurrent pregnancy losses. However, APS testing is not a standard part of routine prenatal screening and is often only administered after multiple losses have occurred.

Perri urged officials and the medical community to focus on preventing future families from enduring similar tragedies. She delivered a direct message: “Let’s make a change so no one has to have my story again.” She concluded, advocating for inspiration over anger, stating that the effort is not about the past, but “about giving purpose to my little Rosie’s life.”