A scheme which allows parents to recognise the life of a baby lost early in pregnancy has been extended for more grieving parents.
The baby loss certificate scheme has issued more than 50,000 documents recognising the loss of babies early in pregnancy since it was launched in February.
At first, only parents who had lost a baby since September 2018 could apply, but now there is no time limit.
Certificates are now available for any parent who experienced a loss before 24 weeks, or before 28 weeks if the death happened before October 1992.
Babies who die after this cut-off are instead registered as stillbirths.
The scheme was launched in order to recognise the grief of parents who lost a baby early in pregnancy – previously, stillborn babies did not need to be officially registered, leaving some parents feeling ignored.
It’s not a universally popular scheme, with some bereaved parents feeling like the scheme is too little, too late, but for some it has helped them cope with grief as some felt that previously there was a ‘lack of recognition’ for the child they lost early in pregnancy.
Vicki Robinson, chief executive of the charity Miscarriage Association, said the move marks ‘a significant milestone’ for people waiting for this recognition.
She told ITV: ‘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.
‘We know from the people that we support how much the certification scheme has helped those who have experienced pregnancy loss, so this is great news that people whose losses were previously not acknowledged now can be.’
The baby loss certificate scheme was set up after the recommendation of the Pregnancy Loss Review, which was published last year.
Samantha Collinge, bereavement lead midwife at George Eliot Hospital NHS Trust and co-chair of the review, described the extension as a ‘huge milestone moment’.
She added: ‘Since I was appointed as a bereavement midwife in 1998, I have campaigned for a standardised care pathway that ensures that every parent experiencing baby loss – regardless of the gestation or type of loss – receives the physical and emotional care and support they deserve.
‘Removing the restrictions around the application process will give all bereaved parents of pre-24 week baby loss the official recognition that their babies did exist and that their babies’ lives, however brief, really do matter.’
How to apply for a baby loss certificate
Baby loss certificates are free and are optional, meaning you don’t need to request one if you don’t want to.
The certificate isn’t a legal document, meaning it won’t be added to your GP record and you can’t use it to claim benefits, but it is an official certificate.
In order to apply you’ll need your NHS number, the phone number and postcode registered with your GP, and permission from the other parent and their email address if you want their name on the certificate.
To be eligible, all of the following must apply:
- You’ve lost a baby before 24 weeks of pregnancy (or 28 weeks before 1 October 1992)
- You’re one of the baby’s parents or surrogate
- You’re at least 16 years old
- You live in England
To apply, visit the gov.uk website.
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