Certificates launched to officially recognise baby loss

For the first time, parents in England who have lost a baby before 24 weeks of pregnancy will be able to apply for a Certificate of Loss for their baby. Until now, parents coping with pregnancy loss have had no official recognition or documentation, and in the 2023 Pregnancy Loss Review bereaved parents told the Government how this added to their grief.

Parents losing their baby going forwards, plus parents whose pregnancy ended prior to 1st September 2018, whether through miscarriage, ectopic or molar pregnancies, or termination for medical reasons, can apply via www.gov.uk/request-baby-loss-certificate. Parents whose loss was before September 2018 will be able to apply very soon.

Shine welcomes these certificates in England and we very much hope they will be introduced in Wales and Northern Ireland soon.