Finance Minister and Health Minister have launched a public
consultation seeking views on a Baby Loss Certificate Scheme.
The scheme, which forms part of The Deaths, Still-Births and Baby
Loss Bill, will be open to parents who have experienced the loss
of a baby prior to the end of the 24th week of pregnancy.
Speaking following the launch of the consultation, Finance
Minister said: “I welcome the
launch of the consultation on a Baby Loss
Certificate Scheme. Parents and families who have experienced the
devastating loss of a baby should have the opportunity to feel
that their grief is formally recognised.
“Baby Loss Certificates will not undo the hurt and
anguish of losing a baby during pregnancy, but they can
officially commemorate losses and provide support to bereaved
parents as they navigate the grieving process.
“I want to ensure everyone is able to provide their views
to help us shape the scheme so that it meets the needs and
expectations of those who have experienced the loss of a baby. I
would encourage all those with a view to contribute to this
important consultation.”
Health Minister said: “I recognise the
trauma and pain of pregnancy and baby loss, and the enormous
impact this can have on parents.
“I remain fully supportive of the introduction of a Baby
Loss Certificate Scheme in Northern Ireland for parents who have
experienced the loss of a child before 24 weeks gestation. The
recognition of such a tragic loss can be vitally important for
parents and families, regardless of when it occurred, and I
remain of the view that every effort should be made to introduce
a scheme here as soon as possible.
“I therefore welcome the launch of this public
consultation as a crucial next step in this process as we seek to
canvass views and opinions on this important initiative. My
officials will continue to work closely with their Department of
Finance counterparts around the consultation process and
development of the scheme.”
Clea Harmer, CEO of the baby loss charity Sands, said: “We
welcome the public consultation on a Baby Loss Certificate
Scheme, it's so important that bereaved parents get to have their
say on how this scheme will work so that it feels right for as
many as possible. These certificates can be an important part of
many people's bereavement journey, and while we recognise they
are not something everyone wants, we would like all bereaved
parents to have that choice.
“Baby loss certificates have already enabled so many bereaved
parents in England and Scotland to get official recognition that
their babies existed and matter. We hope that bereaved
parents in Northern Ireland will soon be able to apply for a
similar recognition of their loss, acknowledging their pain and
ensuring they feel heard.”
The consultation will run from 17 June 2025 until 12 September
2025. Further information and consultation documents are
available on the Department of Finance website at https://www.finance-ni.gov.uk/consultations/baby-loss-certificate-scheme
It is intended that the scheme will be operational for parents
and families by the end of this year.
