Introduction of baby loss certificates gives recognition to millions of bereaved families in the UK
From 22 February 2024 parents who have lost a baby before 24 weeks of pregnancy in England can apply for a ‘baby loss certificate’. Millions of families will now receive recognition not only that their baby existed, but also of their bereavement.
Certain criteria apply:
- The pregnancy must have ended on or after 1 September 2018.
- Applicants must be at least 16 years old.
- Applicants must have lived in England at the time of the loss and be either the parent or surrogate parent to the deceased baby.
The introduction of baby loss certificates reflects the Governments’ acknowledgment of the need for improvement in maternity services in the NHS. The change puts in to action the Department of Health and Social Care’s priorities set out in the Women’s Health Strategy for England and recommendations from the Pregnancy Loss Review (2018).
The scheme reflects the hard work of charities and campaigners for parents who have experienced baby loss and miscarriage, which include Tommy’s, Sands, the Miscarriage Association and the Mariposa Trust. This positive change demonstrates collaborative working between the charities bringing light to these issues and the NHS. On the Government’s website, Kate Brintworth, Chief Midwifery Officer for England- NHS England, said:
“the NHS is improving maternity and neonatal bereavement care across England, including by next month bereavement services will be available in almost every NHS Trust, seven days a week for women and families who sadly experience loss.”
Browne Jacobson endorses every improvement made to NHS maternity services in the UK. We have significant experience conducting sensitive investigations to help resolve concerns and disputes fairly. If you would like further information regarding our services, please visit our Maternity Services Resources Hub.
If we can assist your NHS Trust or healthcare organisation to look at ways to improve patient care, please get in touch.
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