Parents who have experienced the loss of a baby early in pregnancy can now apply to have their child’s life officially recognized, regardless of how much time has passed.
The Government has announced it will extend the Infant Loss Certificate scheme, which launched in February, for those who have suffered a loss since September 2018.
According to the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC), more than 50,000 documents have been issued so far.
There will now be no time limit on the initiative, and certificates will be available to any parent who suffered a loss before 24 weeks, or 28 weeks if the loss occurred before October 1992.
Health Minister Wes Streeting said: ‘Losing a pregnancy can be deeply upsetting – there is so much love and so many dreams for the future packed into a small life.
‘That’s why it’s important that grieving parents have the opportunity to officially acknowledge the existence of their babies and how much they matter.
The government has announced it will extend the baby loss certificate scheme, which launched in February, for those who have suffered a loss since September 2018 (stock)
Health Minister Wes Streeting (pictured) said it is important that relatives have the opportunity to officially acknowledge the existence of their baby.
‘I’m pleased that we can now ensure that all parents can apply for these certificates, regardless of how long ago they lost their pregnancy.
“This administration will always listen to women and families as we overhaul our health care system to ensure everyone receives compassionate, safe and personalized care.”
Vicki Robinson, chief executive of the charity Miscarriage Association, said: ‘We were very keen to extend the scheme to losses before 2018, so today is an important milestone for those who have been waiting for this recognition.
‘For many, even the first loss can be deeply distressing, both emotionally and physically, but having a formal acknowledgment as a sign of their loss can be a meaningful part of the grieving process.
“We know from the people we support how much the certification program has helped those who have experienced pregnancy loss, so this is great news that people whose losses previously went unrecognized can now do so.”
The Infant Loss Certificate Program was created based on the recommendations of the independent Pregnancy Loss Review, which was published in 2023.
The Infant Loss Certificate Program was created based on the recommendations of the independent Pregnancy Loss Review, published in 2023 (stock)
Samantha Collinge, lead bereavement midwife at George Eliot Hospital NHS Trust and co-chair of the Pregnancy Loss Review, described the extension as a ‘huge milestone moment’.
She said: ‘Since I was appointed as a bereavement midwife in 1998, I have campaigned for a standardized care pathway that ensures that every parent experiencing a baby loss – regardless of pregnancy or type of loss – receives the physical and emotional care and support they need. earn.
‘Removing restrictions around the application process will give all survivors of an infant loss before the 24th week official recognition that their babies did indeed exist and that their babies’ lives, however short, really do matter.’