18/06/2025
Consultation Launches On Baby Loss Certificate Scheme
A public consultation has now been launched seeking views on a Baby Loss Certificate Scheme, which will be open to parents who have experienced the loss of a baby prior to the end of the 24th week of pregnancy.
The scheme forms part of The Deaths, Still-Births and Baby Loss Bill, and is intended to be operational for parents and families by the end of this year.
The consultation, which was announced by Finance Minister John O'Dowd and Health Minister Mike Nesbitt, will run until 12 September 2025.
Finance Minister John O'Dowd said: "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."
Meanwhile, Health Minister Mike Nesbitt said he recognised "the trauma and pain of pregnancy and baby loss," as well as the "enormous impact this can have on parents."
He continued: "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."
The public consultation was welcomed by baby loss charity Sands, with its CEO, Clea Harmer, stating: "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 scheme forms part of The Deaths, Still-Births and Baby Loss Bill, and is intended to be operational for parents and families by the end of this year.
The consultation, which was announced by Finance Minister John O'Dowd and Health Minister Mike Nesbitt, will run until 12 September 2025.
Finance Minister John O'Dowd said: "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."
He continued: "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."
The public consultation was welcomed by baby loss charity Sands, with its CEO, Clea Harmer, stating: "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."
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Ministers Commit To Introducing Baby Loss Certificates
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The Minister's for Finance and Health have committed to working together to progress the introduction of baby loss certificates for parents who have lost a baby during pregnancy before 24 weeks. Under current legislation, the death of a baby is only officially recognised if it occurs after the 24th week of pregnancy.
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Finance Minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald and Health Minister Mike Nesbitt have issued a joint message of support to those affected by pregnancy and baby loss. The 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.
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19 June 2025
Other News In Brief
Sinn Féin MLA Welcomes Consultation On Baby Loss Certificate Scheme Sinn Féin MLA Jemma Dolan has welcomed the launch of a public consultation on Northern Ireland's proposed Baby Loss Certificate Scheme, hailing it as a crucial step towards formally recognising the grief of parents who experience pregnancy loss before 24 weeks.
Other News In Brief
Sinn Féin MLA Welcomes Consultation On Baby Loss Certificate Scheme Sinn Féin MLA Jemma Dolan has welcomed the launch of a public consultation on Northern Ireland's proposed Baby Loss Certificate Scheme, hailing it as a crucial step towards formally recognising the grief of parents who experience pregnancy loss before 24 weeks.
25 June 2024
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