The First Minister and deputy First Minister have voiced their
support for those who have been affected by miscarriage and baby
loss.
Ministers attended an event in Parliament Buildings, organised by
the White Butterfly Foundation, to mark Baby Loss Awareness Week.
During the event, they heard about the experiences of parents and
families who have been affected by miscarriage, baby loss and
neonatal death.
First Minister said:
“This week is about breaking the silence
around something too often met with stigma, the devastating loss
of a baby during pregnancy or soon after birth.
“It's about honouring the babies who are loved and
remembered and showing every parent who has endured this
heartbreak that you are not alone.
“Losing a baby is utterly heartbreaking and can bring a
grief that feels invisible. To all the parents, families and
campaigners who have been affected by miscarriage and baby loss,
I am truly inspired by your courage and determination to make
sure others don't face this alone.”
Deputy First Minister said: “Baby
Loss Awareness Week is a time to remember all those babies who
were loved and cherished and to acknowledge the pain and
suffering of those who grieve their loss.
“The services provided by the White Butterfly Foundation
are so important, not just in helping parents as they navigate
their way through the dark days of an unthinkable loss, but also
in the months and years ahead.
“I want to thank all of the Foundation's volunteers who
provide support and give hope to all of those who have
experienced such unimaginable loss.”
The event also saw the unveiling of the Timeless Tiles Memorial.
The memorial was co-ordinated by The White Butterfly Foundation
and features hundreds of ceramic tiles which were crafted and
personalised by bereaved parents to honour each baby's memory.
Selina Casey, founder of The White Butterfly Foundation, said:
“The White Butterfly Foundation has been set up by bereaved
parents, for bereaved parents, offering compassionate support for
families who have experienced miscarriage, baby loss, and
neonatal death.
“We are delighted the First Minister and deputy First Minister
could attend the unveiling of the Timeless Tiles Memorial Wall,
which features hundreds of handcrafted ceramic tiles personalised
to honour each baby's memory, and offer their support to families
who have lost a baby in pregnancy or after birth.”
Notes to editors:
- Baby Loss Awareness Week runs from 9th-15th October 2025,
supporting bereaved parents and families to commemorate their
babies' lives and lost pregnancies. For more
information visit http://www.babyloss-awareness.org/
- The White Butterfly Foundation is a not-for-profit
organisation dedicated to providing support, healing and hope to
parents who have experienced the loss of a baby at any
stage. For more information on The White Butterfly
Foundation visit https://thewhitebutterflyfoundation.co.uk/
