SDLP MLA Mark H Durkan has reiterated calls this Baby Loss Awareness Week 9-15 October, for a recognition scheme that would allow parents to register the loss of a pregnancy before 24 weeks.
This week, a Baby Loss Certificate Scheme has been launched in England allowing parents to formally recognise their baby loss.
Said the Foyle MLA: “Parents in England will now be able to apply for certificate to officially recognise the loss of their baby before 24-weeks pregnancy.
“Parents in the North still miss out on this opportunity.
“This is a small but incredibly important acknowledgment for families that their little one existed and could help in some small way, to provide comfort amid their grief. The Assembly supported the introduction of this provision back in April.
“Currently, there is a notable lack of support for bereaved parents something which I’ve been working to change, including improving access to bereavement midwives as well as signposting to available aftercare and support.
“Unfortunately, it’s been the experience of some bereaved parents that they’ve been left in limbo, struggling with their grief in silence.
“Giving period parents the option of a certificate to record their baby loss before 24 weeks may help validate their loss and provide comfort at a dark time.
“I hope the rollout of the scheme in England will help to inform and expedite the implementation of a scheme for the North.
“I’ll continue to engage with the Minister of Health and Minister of Finance and hope to see progress on this provision soon.”
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