Clea Harmer, Chief Executive of Sands, was joined by bereaved mum and Sands Hospital Liaison Volunteer Kelly Barnes for the launch event at the Parliament Buildings, Stormont.

Northern Ireland Finance Minister John O’Dowd and Health Minister Mike Nesbitt have welcomed the launch of the Baby Loss Certificate Scheme.

Following the recent passing of the Baby Loss Certificate Regulations in the Assembly, Baby Loss Certificates are now available to anyone in Northern Ireland who has experienced a loss prior to the end of the 24 weeks of pregnancy.

Parents who wish to apply for a Baby Loss Certificate can do so on the nidirect website.

Sands has welcomed the plans to make Baby Loss Certificate Scheme available to bereaved parents in Northern Ireland.

It is wonderful news that Baby Loss Certificates are available in Northern Ireland to anyone who has experienced pregnancy or baby loss before 24 weeks. These certificates can be an important part of many people’s bereavement journey, and while we recognise they are not something everyone wants, it is so important that bereaved parents have that choice.

"We understand how important it is for those who experience baby loss at any stage in pregnancy to have their baby acknowledged and remembered. Baby Loss Certificates are now available in England, Scotland and Northern Ireland, with work underway to launch a scheme in Wales.  

- Clea Harmer, Chief Executive, Sands.
 

Clea was joined at the launch event by Sands volunteer Kelly Barnes who has lost 11 babies before 24 weeks of pregnancy.

For me and so many bereaved parents across Northern Ireland, a Baby Loss Certificate scheme will mean at long last we are able to get a formal recognition of pre-24 week losses, acknowledging our grief and that our babies matter.

Nothing can take away the pain of losing your baby but something as simple as a Baby Loss Certificate can help to carry some of the emotional weight by officially commemorating our losses and providing support to bereaved parents as we navigate our grief journeys.

- Kelly Barnes, bereaved mum and Sands NI volunteer.

How to apply for a Northern Ireland Baby Loss Certificate

I have met families who have experienced the heartbreak of baby loss and I recognise that there are few experiences more devastating.

This scheme acknowledges the profound loss faced by families whose babies died before 24 weeks. While nothing can remove that pain, having official acknowledgement of that loss will mean a great deal to many parents.

It is a simple but deeply important step, recognising that their baby was here, that they mattered, and that they are loved and remembered. I warmly welcome the introduction of this scheme and hope it brings comfort and recognition to those who choose to apply.

- Mike Nesbitt, Health Minister 

Until now in Northern Ireland, there has been no formal recognition for losses before 24-weeks in pregnancy. While the certificate will not be a legal document, for many families it represents validation that their baby existed.

Making Baby Loss Certificates available to those parents who have experienced the loss of a baby prior to the end of 24 weeks of pregnancy has been one of the most significant and impactful achievements of this mandate.

I fully understand a Baby Loss Certificate cannot alleviate the profound grief experienced by parents following such losses, however, it is my hope that by formally recognising their loss the certificates may offer them a degree of comfort.

I want to thank the parents, advocates, and organisations who have shared their stories and campaigned so thoughtfully and courageously for a Baby Loss Certificate scheme. Their voices have shaped this scheme, and their determination has made it possible.

-  John O’Dowd, Finance Minister  

Sands here to support

Sands is here for everyone touched by pregnancy or baby loss. The charity offers bereavement support in many ways, because everyone grieves differently and this can change over time.

Find out more about all the ways the charity offers bereavement support.

We will continue to offer our range of free commemorative 'birth certificates' for anyone who wants one for their baby or babies. You can order these online, alongside a range of other bereavement support materials.