Midwives welcome new certificate to recognise baby loss
Bereaved parents who lose a baby before 24 weeks of pregnancy can apply from today
Last updated 22nd Feb 2024
Parents who have experienced the devastation of losing a baby before 24 weeks of pregnancy can apply for a certificate to have their grief recognised from today.
The government is launching a voluntary scheme to allow parents to record and receive a certificate to provide recognition of their loss.
The government says it is committed to ensuring bereaved parents feel supported through their grief and recognise their loss, acknowledging their pain and ensuring they feel heard. The certificates will not be compulsory - it remains the choice of all parents to manage the difficult time of a loss, however they see fit.
Marie Kelleher is a bereavment support midwife at Liverpool Women's Hospital, she told us:
"We have about 1,000 miscarriages at 24 weeks gestation every year, so the trauma to all of those families is huge.
"I think it's really important that those families feel acknowledged, they can grieve, their loss is acknowledged and their baby existed.
"I never thought I'd think this but when I had a little look at the gateway earlier on, I actually thought about my losses, and am I going to input my information to get a certificate?
"Actually, the government opening this up for families like me makes you aware that sometimes you do need some support, so I think it's really important.
"We are going to get a lot of families who will take this and we will discuss it at our support groups."
Health and Social Care Secretary Victoria Atkins said:
“Losing a baby can be a hugely traumatic event and the introduction of certificates to formally acknowledge the loss of life is a positive step towards better supporting women and parents affected.
“I’d like to thank charities and campaigners for their continuous work in bringing awareness to baby loss and making the certificates launching possible.
“Improving women’s health care and maternity support is a priority, and this demonstrates progress in delivering our Women’s Health Strategy and ensuring parents feel supported during this heart-breaking experience.”
"We have listened to parents"
Minister for the Women’s Health Strategy, Maria Caulfield said:
“We have listened to parents who have gone through what can be an unbelievably painful experience of losing a baby, and that is why today we are introducing baby loss certificates to recognise their loss, as part of our wider long-term plan for women’s health in our country, the Women’s Health Strategy.
“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.”
Support and advice available
Anyone who has been affected by this story and wants to find out more can find support and guidance at the following sites:
🔗 | https://www.liverpoolwomens.nhs.uk/our-services/honeysuckle-bereavement-service/