Baby loss certificates are being introduced – here’s what you need to know
Parents who lose a baby before 24 weeks can now get a baby loss certificate that recognises their grief.
Campaigners say they are ‘thrilled’ millions of families will now get official recognition their baby existed.
The certificates will be official but not legal documents and was formed in response to the independent Pregnancy Loss Review.
Below is everything you need to know about the new certificates.
What is a baby loss certificate?
The baby loss certificate is for parents who experience a loss within the first 24 weeks of pregnancy.
It is a certificate that formally recognises the impact of losing a child early on in pregnancy.
Babies born dead after 24 completed weeks of pregnancy are called stillbirths, and their deaths are officially registered.
But this does not happen for babies who die before that stage.
There are plans to deliver a similar scheme in Wales and Scotland introduced a memorial book where families can record their pre-24 week losses.
Around one in five women in the UK experience pregnancy loss or miscarriage before 24 weeks.
Who is eligible?
All parents who have experienced baby loss since September 2018 can apply now.
The government plans to expand the eligibility in the near future and applications for a free baby loss certificate opened at 9am today.
Applicants must be at least 16 years of age and have been living in England at the time of the loss.
How to apply?
Families who are eligible for the baby loss certificate can apply on the gov.uk website.
What does the government say?
Health minister Maria Caulfield, said: ‘We have listened to parents who have gone through what can be an unbelievably painful experience of losing a baby, and that is why today we are introducing baby loss certificates to recognise their loss, as part of our wider long-term plan for women’s health in our country, the Women’s Health Strategy.
‘I would like to thank the tireless work of campaigners and charities for their work in supporting this agenda and making the certificates a reality.’
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