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 the extension of the baby loss certificate scheme, which was initially launched in February for those who had experienced a loss since September 2018. According to the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC), over 50,000 documents have been issued to date. The initiative will now have no time limit, with certificates available for any parent who has experienced a loss before 24 weeks, or 28 weeks if the loss occurred before October 1992.
Health Secretary Wes Streeting emphasised the importance of acknowledging the existence of these babies and how much they mean to bereaved parents. He stated, “Losing a pregnancy can be deeply distressing as there is so much love and so many dreams for the future wrapped up in a tiny life.” Streeting expressed his pleasure in ensuring that all parents, regardless of when they experienced their pregnancy loss, can now apply for these certificates. He added that the Government is committed to listening to women and families as they work towards providing compassionate, safe, and personalised healthcare services.
Vicki Robinson, chief executive of the charity Miscarriage Association, welcomed the extension of the scheme to include losses before 2018, describing it as a significant milestone for those waiting for this recognition. Robinson highlighted the emotional and physical distress that even the earliest of losses can cause, emphasising that having formal acknowledgement can aid in the grieving process. She noted that the certification scheme has been a source of support for those who have experienced pregnancy loss, making it great news that people whose losses were previously unacknowledged can now benefit from it.
The baby loss certificate scheme was established following the recommendations of the independent Pregnancy Loss Review published in 2023. Samantha Collinge, bereavement lead midwife at George Eliot Hospital NHS Trust and co-chair of the Pregnancy Loss Review, expressed her excitement at the extension, calling it a “huge milestone moment.” She stressed the need for a standardised care pathway to ensure that every parent experiencing baby loss receives the necessary care and support, regardless of gestation or type of loss.
The extension of the baby loss certificate scheme marks a significant step forward in recognising and supporting parents who have experienced the loss of a baby early in pregnancy. With no time limit on the initiative, bereaved parents will now have the opportunity to officially recognise and commemorate the existence of their babies, providing some solace in their healing process.