Skates welcomes new baby loss certificates scheme

A North Wales Member of the Senedd has welcomed the Welsh Government’s intention to make baby loss certificates available to bereaved parents. 

Last month the UK Government launched a voluntary scheme in England to allow parents whose baby died before 24 weeks of pregnancy to apply for a free certificate to provide recognition of their loss. 

Clwyd South MS Ken Skates raised the issue with Health Minister Eluned Morgan after being contacted by constituents who wanted the option made available in Wales, and said he was pleased to be told the wheels are already in motion. 

He said: “I welcome the Health Minister’s confirmation that her officials are working closely with their UK Government counterparts to extend the certification process across Wales later this year. 

“Baby loss at any stage of pregnancy is always going to be incredibly sad for those involved and I think something recognising their child’s life can provide much-needed comfort to parents in Wales.” 

In her response to Mr Skates, the Minister said: “Thank you for your email of February 26 on behalf of your constituents regarding the introduction of baby loss certificates in Wales. 

“Baby loss at any stage of pregnancy is distressing and I recognise the impact it can have on the entire family. The Welsh Government is committed to ensuring every family is appropriately and compassionately supported and understands the importance for parents to have their pregnancy loss formally recognised. 

“On February 22, the UK Government launched a voluntary scheme to allow parents whose baby died before 24 weeks of pregnancy to apply for a free certificate to provide recognition of their loss. This is currently available to any parent who has experienced a loss before 24 weeks in England since September 2018. The UK Government plans to extend the eligibility criteria when it is able to do so.

“Officials are working closely with UK Government counterparts to extend the certification process across Wales later this year.” 

Currently, all families who experience pregnancy loss at maternity units in Wales are supported by bereavement midwives, and in conjunction with the charity Sands (Stillbirth and Neonatal Death) are offered memory boxes which include a commemorative birth certificate. 

The Welsh Government is also collaborating with parent organisations including Sands and other experts to implement the National Bereavement Care Pathways across Wales specifically for miscarriage, stillbirth and baby loss.