The scheme applies to baby losses before the end of week 24 of pregnancy, or before week 28 for losses before 1992.
A Stormont minister says nearly 8,000 Baby Loss Certificates have been issued to parents in Northern Ireland in the first four months of the scheme.
The Baby Loss Certificate scheme officially launched in June and is designed as an act of recognition for parents who lose a baby in early pregnancy. The scheme applies to baby losses before the end of week 24 of pregnancy, or before week 28 for losses before 1992.
Some 1,800 applications were made for baby-loss certificates within the first 24 hours of the initiative’s launch. At the time, Sands NI, a charity that supports those who experience pregnancy or baby loss, welcomed the move as “wonderful news.”
Since launching three months ago, the scheme has issued nearly 8,000 certificates, it has emerged.
Finance Minister John O’Dowd says this demonstrates just how important this recognition is for parents and families who have experienced the heartbreak of losing a baby.
Mr O’Dowd said: “We have heard the impact of the certificates from bereaved parents, the comfort they feel in seeing their baby’s name formally recognised, and what it means to have something tangible that acknowledges their child and their place within the family.
“Some have described the certificate as providing enduring recognition that their babies remain an important and treasured part of their family story. Others have talked about how the certificates have provided acknowledgement not just from government but from society more broadly. This has helped grieving families feel supported and seen as they navigate an exceptionally difficult loss.
“Whilst no certificate could ease or diminish the grief that parents who have experienced the loss of their baby carry, the recognition of that loss is making a meaningful difference. This has been made possible thanks to the parents, advocates, and organisations who bravely shared their stories and campaigned for this scheme.”
Baby Loss Certificates are now available to anyone who has experienced a loss prior to the end of the 24th week of pregnancy. Parents who wish to apply for a Baby Loss Certificate can do so on the nidirect website here.
For all the latest news, visit the Belfast Live homepage here and sign up to our daily newsletter .
You must be logged in to post a comment Login