O’Dowd and Nesbitt launch public consultation on Baby Loss Certificate Scheme
Date published:
Finance Minister John O’Dowd and Health Minister Mike Nesbitt have launched a public consultation seeking views on a Baby Loss Certificate Scheme.
The scheme, which forms part of The Deaths, Still-Births and Baby Loss Bill, will be open to parents who have experienced the loss of a baby prior to the end of the 24th week of pregnancy.
Speaking following the launch of the consultation, Finance Minister John O’Dowd said: “I welcome the launch of the consultation on a Baby Loss Certificate Scheme. Parents and families who have experienced the devastating loss of a baby should have the opportunity to feel that their grief is formally recognised.
“Baby Loss Certificates will not undo the hurt and anguish of losing a baby during pregnancy, but they can officially commemorate losses and provide support to bereaved parents as they navigate the grieving process.
“I want to ensure everyone is able to provide their views to help us shape the scheme so that it meets the needs and expectations of those who have experienced the loss of a baby. I would encourage all those with a view to contribute to this important consultation.”
Health Minister Mike Nesbitt said: “I recognise the trauma and pain of pregnancy and baby loss, and the enormous impact this can have on parents.
“I remain fully supportive of the introduction of a Baby Loss Certificate Scheme in Northern Ireland for parents who have experienced the loss of a child before 24 weeks gestation. The recognition of such a tragic loss can be vitally important for parents and families, regardless of when it occurred, and I remain of the view that every effort should be made to introduce a scheme here as soon as possible.
“I therefore welcome the launch of this public consultation as a crucial next step in this process as we seek to canvass views and opinions on this important initiative. My officials will continue to work closely with their Department of Finance counterparts around the consultation process and development of the scheme.”
Clea Harmer, CEO of the baby loss charity Sands, said: “We welcome the public consultation on a Baby Loss Certificate Scheme, it’s so important that bereaved parents get to have their say on how this scheme will work so that it feels right for as many as possible. These certificates can be an important part of many people’s bereavement journey, and while we recognise they are not something everyone wants, we would like all bereaved parents to have that choice.
“Baby loss certificates have already enabled so many bereaved parents in England and Scotland to get official recognition that their babies existed and matter. We hope that bereaved parents in Northern Ireland will soon be able to apply for a similar recognition of their loss, acknowledging their pain and ensuring they feel heard.”
The consultation will run from 17 June 2025 until 12 September 2025. Further information and consultation documents are available on the Department of Finance website at https://www.finance-ni.gov.uk/consultations/baby-loss-certificate-scheme
It is intended that the scheme will be operational for parents and families by the end of this year.
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