Durkan calls for formal certificate to recognise early pregnancy loss

SDLP Foyle MLA Mark H Durkan has repeated his calls for the introduction of a pregnancy loss certificate for bereaved parents who experience a miscarriage before 24-week gestation.

Mr Durkan’s renewed calls follow proposed changes to legislation in England which will offer parents the option to record their baby loss and receive a certificate of recognition.

Said the Foyle MLA: “A formal registration process for parents who suffer a pregnancy loss before 24-weeks would be a small but meaningful provision.

“Myself and charities including Sands NI have been campaigning for several years to secure a similar mechanism for parents in the North of Ireland.

“Currently, there is no avenue to register an early pregnancy loss here.

“Giving bereaved parents the option to record their baby loss before 24 weeks and receive a certificate of recognition would help to validate their loss.

“Losing a baby at any stage of pregnancy is distressing and some parents believe that the option to register their loss would provide comfort and help during the grieving process.

“I’ve written to Health Minister Robin Swann asking him to consider some form of certification which would provide a small but meaningful token which would help to provide emotional solace to parents during such a difficult time.”

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