Parents who experience a loss of pregnancy before 24 weeks will now be able to apply for a baby loss certificate to commemorate their bereavement and recognise their grief.
The certificate of baby loss was something set out in the government’s response to the independent pregnancy loss review.
Last autumn saw the Scottish Government open a memorial book for parents who have experienced baby loss before 24 weeks.
Birth trauma and maternity care were highlighted as areas of priority for women’s health in 2024 by health and social care secretary, Victoria Atkins last month.
A £25m expansion of women’s health hubs will also help support women in the community by opening easier access to contraception, menopause, and menstrual health services.
Maria Caulfield, the minister for the women’s health strategy, says: “I would like to thank the tireless work of campaigners and charities for their work in supporting this agenda and making the certificates a reality.”
Available from today, the service is free and open for any parent who has experienced baby loss before 24 weeks since 1 September 2018.
The government says it will explore how to expand the certificates so they pre-date September 2018 as soon as possible.
"Every pregnancy matters."@SandsUK ambassador @MissMalinSara explains why the new baby loss certificate is so important.
— Department of Health and Social Care (@DHSCgovuk) February 22, 2024
Parents who have lost a baby before 24 weeks of pregnancy in England can now apply for one.
More details: https://t.co/Ilug8dG8oN#BabyLoss #PregnancyLoss pic.twitter.com/ucRMzHHtyE
Co-chair and author of the pregnancy loss review, Zoe Clark-Coates MBE, adds: “I’m thrilled that from today millions of families will finally get the formal acknowledgment that their baby existed and I hope this will help their grieving process.”
Clark-Coates is founder and chief executive of the Mariposa Trust, a charity which the Department of Health and Social Care has thanked for its “tireless work” campaigning.
The government also highlighted organisations such as, Tommy’s, Sands, and the Miscarriage Association.
Image credit: iStock
