Recognising the Heartbreak of Baby Loss: Certificates Extended to All Bereaved Parents in England

In a major development aimed at offering comfort and recognition to those affected by pregnancy loss, the government has announced the extension of baby loss certificates to all bereaved parents. First introduced in February 2024, this initiative now allows any parent who has experienced the heartbreaking loss of a baby, regardless of when the loss occurred, to apply for a certificate. Originally, the scheme was only available for those who suffered a loss after September 2018, but as of today, it has been expanded to cover all historical losses as well as future losses in England.

This voluntary scheme, which is free of charge, has already seen more than 50,000 certificates issued since February 2024, providing families with a formal acknowledgement of their loss. This extension marks a significant milestone for bereaved parents, allowing them to apply for a certificate no matter how long ago their loss occurred.

A Powerful Recognition of Grief

For many parents, the loss of a pregnancy can be an intensely painful experience, and the emotional toll is often worsened by the lack of formal recognition. These certificates aim to change that by offering bereaved families a way to officially acknowledge their loss. Parents now have the option to apply for a certificate of loss, helping to preserve their baby’s memory and provide some comfort during the grieving process.

Heidi Eldridge, CEO and Founder of MAMA Academy, expressed her enthusiasm for this change, stating:

“We are absolutely delighted for the thousands of bereaved families who can now apply for a certificate of loss. This recognition of grief will mean so much to them, helping to keep their child’s memory alive.”

The government has reiterated its commitment to supporting families through this difficult time. Wes Streeting, Health and Social Care Secretary, stated:

“Losing a pregnancy can be deeply distressing – there is so much love and so many dreams for the future wrapped up in a tiny life. That’s why it is important for bereaved parents to have the option to officially recognise the existence of their babies and how much they matter.”

A UK-Wide Perspective

While the extension of this scheme is a welcome step forward in England, it is important to remember that healthcare is a devolved issue across the UK. Currently, Scotland already has a similar scheme in place, where the National Records of Scotland holds a Memorial Book, processes applications, and issues certificates. This service is also free of charge, completely voluntary, and welcomes both historical and multiple-loss applications. While in northern Ireland stillbirth certificates are available.

Heidi Eldridge highlighted the importance of extending this recognition across all parts of the UK:

“While this is a good incentive by the government, healthcare is a devolved issue, so we’d really like to see Wales also step up to the plate and extend their services for grieving families.”

The hope is that Wales will soon follow suit, ensuring all parents across the UK have access to this important recognition of their loss.

Continuing the Fight for Better Maternity Care

The extension of the baby loss certificate scheme is not just a step toward recognising pregnancy loss; it also underscores the urgent need for improvements in maternity care. The government has pledged to tackle ongoing issues within maternity services, acknowledging that both women and healthcare staff have been let down. Alongside this initiative, new measures have been introduced to improve maternity outcomes, including a training pilot aimed at reducing brain injuries during childbirth and the promise to train thousands more midwives.

Heidi Eldridge from MAMA Academy stressed the need for continued progress in maternity care:

 “We hope that the government will take this positive step and continue forward, really tackling the way in which maternity services have been failing parents, as well as the staff that work there.”

Support from Campaigners and Experts

This extension has been widely praised by campaigners, healthcare professionals, and bereaved families alike. Zoe Clark-Coates MBE, founder of Mariposa International and co-chair of the Pregnancy Loss Review, has long advocated for official recognition of pre-24-week losses. She expressed her gratitude for the extension, noting that it will bring comfort to thousands of families. Samantha Collinge, Bereavement Lead Midwife and co-chair of the Pregnancy Loss Review, also highlighted the importance of this milestone in ensuring that every loss, regardless of gestation, is recognised and validated.

The Miscarriage Association and Twins Trust have similarly welcomed the news, acknowledging the profound impact that formal recognition can have on a family’s grieving process. Vicki Robinson, Chief Executive of the Miscarriage Association, said:

“For many, even the earliest of losses can be deeply distressing, both emotionally and physically, but having a formal acknowledgement as a marker of their loss can be a meaningful part of the grieving process.”

A Step Toward Healing

The expansion of the baby loss certificate scheme offers bereaved families an opportunity to honour and remember their babies in a meaningful way. This initiative, announced during Baby Loss Awareness Week, is a significant step in the government’s ongoing efforts to improve maternity services and support families through the pain of pregnancy loss. The hope now is that this recognition will be extended to all corners of the UK, ensuring every bereaved parent has access to this important service.

For more information about the certificate scheme and how to apply, visit the Government’s official site here.