SDLP Foyle MLA Mark H Durkan has welcomed progress to deliver a scheme to officially recognise pregnancy loss before 24 weeks.
He said that it is vital that the provision is free to access and without a time limit, ensuring that all parents can have the loss of their baby recognised.
Speaking after the Assembly debated the Second Stage of the Deaths, Still-Births and Baby Loss Bill the Foyle MLA said: “This is another crucial step forward in securing a baby loss certificate scheme for Northern Ireland.
“In my years campaigning for improvements in early baby loss, I’ve met with hundreds of parents who felt their loss or the topic of miscarriage remained taboo or hushed.
“While their experiences and views differed, all of those I’ve spoken to recognised the value in a certification scheme.
“Now that we’re one step closer to securing this provision, it’s vitally important that we get it right.
“Similar schemes in England and Scotland are free to access.
“The current bill does not give clarity around whether this will remain the case for the North.
“I’ve also sought assurances that there will be no restrictions on how far back these certificates can be requested.
“I’m aware that in England the baby loss certificate scheme was initially launched for parents who experienced a pregnancy loss before 24 weeks’ since September 2018.
“This limit was subsequently removed. The Finance Minister has advised me that final decisions around cost and eligibility will depend on the consultation responses.
“Fairness and compassion must be a cornerstone of this scheme and that means ensuring it is accessible to everyone without financial or time barriers.
“I would encourage people to have their voice heard and respond to the consultation when it is launched.
“No family should feel their loss is invisible.”
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