Parents who have experienced the loss of a baby early in pregnancy will now be able to apply to have their child’s life officially recognised, regardless of how much time has passed.
The Government has announced it will expand the baby loss certificate scheme, which launched in February for those who had suffered a loss since September 2018.
According to the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC), more than 50,000 documents have been issued so far.
There will now be no time limit on the initiative, with certificates available to any parent who experienced a loss before 24 weeks, or 28 weeks if the loss occurred before October 1992.
Health Secretary Wes Streeting said: “Losing a pregnancy can be deeply distressing – there is so much love and so many dreams for the future wrapped up in one small life.”
‘That’s why it’s important that grieving parents have the option to officially acknowledge the existence of their babies and how much they matter.
The Government has announced it will expand the baby loss certificate scheme, which was launched in February for those who had suffered a loss since September 2018 (shares)
Health Secretary Wes Streeting (pictured) said it was important that grieving parents had the option to officially acknowledge the existence of their babies.
‘I am pleased that we can now ensure that all parents can apply for these certificates, no matter how long ago they lost their pregnancies.
“This Government will always listen to women and families as we reform our healthcare system to ensure everyone receives compassionate, safe and personalized care.”
Vicki Robinson, chief executive of the Miscarriage Association charity, said: “We have been very keen for the scheme to be extended to include losses before 2018, so today marks an important milestone for those who have been waiting for this recognition.” .
‘For many, even the earliest loss can be deeply distressing, both emotionally and physically, but having a formal acknowledgment as an indicator of your loss can be a significant part of the grieving process.
“We know from the people we support how much the certification system has helped those who have suffered a pregnancy loss, so it is great news that people whose losses were previously unrecognized can now be recognized.”
The baby loss certificate scheme was formed following the recommendations of the independent pregnancy loss review, which was published in 2023.
The baby loss certificate scheme was formed following the recommendations of the independent pregnancy loss review, which was published in 2023 (stock)
Samantha Collinge, lead bereavement midwife at George Eliot Hospital NHS Trust and co-chair of Pregnant Loss Review, described the extension as a “huge historic moment”.
She said: ‘Since being appointed bereavement midwife in 1998, I have campaigned for a standardized care pathway that ensures that all parents who experience the loss of a baby, regardless of gestation or type of loss, receive the care and the physical and emotional support they need. deserve.
“Removing restrictions around the application process will give all parents grieving the loss of a baby before 24 weeks official recognition that their babies existed and that their lives, however short, really matter.” .
