O’Dowd welcomes passing of Deaths, Still-Births and Baby Loss Bill

Finance Minister John O'Dowd has welcomed the Assembly's support for the Deaths, Still-Births and Baby Loss Bill which passed its Final Stage of the legislative process today.

John O'Dowd said: “I want to pay tribute to all the baby loss support organisations who have campaigned tirelessly for the Baby Loss Certificate Scheme and to commend the bravery of all of those who have spoken out and responded to our recent consultation. I welcome the support of the Assembly in acting on the powerful testimony families have given and in passing this important Bill which aims to support people at one of the most difficult and challenging times of their lives.

“It will give bereaved parents and families who have suffered the devastating loss of a baby in the first 24 weeks of pregnancy, formal recognition and acknowledgement of their loss. The passing of the Bill today brings us closer to the introduction of this scheme with my intention being that it will be in place by the end of the financial year.”

The Bill will also place the temporary Coronavirus Act powers, which enable the remote registration of deaths and still-births and the electronic transfer of registration documents, onto a permanent footing. Welcoming these changes, Minister O'Dowd continued: “For the last five years these temporary powers have enabled registrations to take place remotely. This Bill will make permanent the temporary provisions relating to the registration of deaths and still births easing the burden on grieving family members.”

Under current law, different birth and still birth registration options exist for same-sex and heterosexual couples who are neither married nor in a Civil Partnership. Same-sex female couples in this position cannot jointly register a birth or still birth in the same way that heterosexual couples can. This Bill will fix these disparities. Minister O'Dowd added:“The provisions in this Bill will ensure that unmarried, non-civil partnered couples have the same choices about how to register a birth or a still-birth, regardless of whether they are a same-sex or heterosexual couple. This change will fix disparities and remedy our legislation to ensure equality in the registration process.”

Minister O'Dowd concluded: “As members of the legislative Assembly, our role is to shape legislation that makes a real difference in people's lives. The Bill we passed today addresses three important issues that will support many of the people we represent – often at the most challenging moments they face. By working together, we have delivered changes that will make a real, lasting and positive difference for our constituents. This is a powerful reminder of the good we can achieve when we unite and work in partnership.”