Finance Minister Dr and Health Minister
have issued a joint message of
support to those affected by pregnancy and baby loss.
Both Ministers confirmed their commitment to working together to
deliver a Baby Loss Certificate Scheme for parents who have lost
a baby during pregnancy up to 24 weeks.
The Ministers met to mark Baby Loss Awareness Week (9-15 October)
and joined charity partners under this year's theme 'Together, we
care' to encourage anyone who has experienced the pain of
pregnancy and baby loss to look for support and find ways to look
after their mental and physical wellbeing.
Minister Archibald said: “I am committed to implementing a Baby
Loss Certificate Scheme. I want all parents and families who have
suffered the devastating loss of a baby to feel that their grief
is recognised.
“My Department will introduce new legislation to enable a Baby
Loss Certificate Scheme for losses prior to 24 weeks of
pregnancy. We will continue to work the Department of Health on
this important initiative.”
Health Minister added: “I recognise the trauma
and pain of pregnancy and baby loss, and the enormous impact this
can have on parents. I also recognise the vital job done by
bereavement midwives in our health service in supporting parents
and families through their loss every single day. Baby Loss
Awareness Week is a time for us to come together to remember and
support the community of people affected by all forms of
pregnancy and baby loss, and the staff who care for them.”
In relation to pregnancy losses prior to 24 weeks, the Health
Minister added:
“I am working closely with the Finance Minister and we have
agreed to continue progressing the necessary scoping work with a
view to establishing a Baby Loss Certificate scheme here as soon
as possible.”
Kate Mulley, Director of Research, Education, and Policy at
Sands, said: “At Sands, we know how vitally important Baby Loss
Certificates can be for bereaved parents and families. We hear
from the many thousands of parents we support that having this
formal recognition of their baby is very important to them.
“When a life is so short, there are few opportunities for
creating memories and parents may greatly value the few keepsakes
of their baby that they are able to keep. We would welcome the
introduction of Baby Loss Certificates in Northern Ireland, and
are here to support anyone affected by pregnancy loss or the
death of a baby, however recently or longer ago, for as long as
they need this.”
Both Ministers joined together in encouraging anyone affected by
pregnancy and baby loss to seek support and consider attending an
event or sharing their story as a way of remembering their baby.
Further information and resources are available at https://babyloss-awareness.org/(external
link opens in a new window / tab) and at https://www.sands.org.uk/
