Finance Minister has encouraged anyone who has
experienced the loss of a baby to share their views on a new Baby
Loss Certificate Scheme consultation.
Since a consultation was launched on the scheme less than two
weeks ago over 300 responses have been received. The Baby Loss
Certificate 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 in the first 24 weeks of pregnancy.
Speaking following a meeting with the Little Forget Me Nots
Trust, an organisation which is dedicated to supporting families
through the journey of infant loss, Minister O'Dowd said:
“In the two weeks since the consultation opened the
response has been very encouraging with more than 300 responses
received so far.
“I want to thank those who have already shared their
views. I am determined that this scheme meets the needs and
expectations of those who have experienced the loss of a baby. I
would encourage everyone to contribute to this important
consultation.
“I understand that a certificate can never lessen the
pain and devastating loss of a baby but I hope that this new
scheme will go some way to provide comfort and solace.”
Louise from the Little Forget Me Nots Trust said: “At the Little
Forget Me Nots Trust we wholeheartedly support the commitment to
formally recognise the loss of a baby through the proposed Baby
Loss Certificate Scheme.
“Every day, we walk alongside families who have experienced the
heartbreak of losing a baby before 24 weeks' gestation. For many,
there has never been an official acknowledgement of their baby's
existence, no formal record to recognise that their pregnancy
mattered. This lack of recognition can leave parents feeling
unseen as though their grief is not valid or their experience is
not important enough to be acknowledged.
“We witness first-hand the deep emotional toll this takes, and
the long-lasting impact it can have on mental health and
wellbeing.
“That's why we warmly welcome this consultation and strongly
encourage everyone in our community to have their say. We are in
a unique and vital position to shape this scheme, not just for
the families grieving today, but for future generations who
deserve to have their babies' lives recognised with dignity and
compassion.
“Let's make sure every baby is seen, and every parent is heard.”
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
Notes to editors:
1. The public consultation on the Baby Loss Certificate Scheme
launched on the 17 June and will run until the 12 September 2025.
