More than 100,000 baby loss certificates have now been issued to parents who have lost a pregnancy, allowing them to formally recognise their loss.
Support groups have long campaigned for these certificates and have welcomed this news.
The government is also committed to ensuring bereaved parents are better supported, and that the impact and importance of their loss is recognised.
Work to improve women’s health services and maternity outcomes is ongoing with thousands more midwives trained, and we are committed to fulfilling our commitment to closing the Black and Asian maternal mortality gap.
They are making progress already – cutting gynaecology waiting lists through the Plan for Change, boosting menopause support in the workplace and revolutionising AI cancer screening for breast cancer through our £11 million AI EDITH cancer trial. We are also utilising the independent sector to cut down waiting lists and provide more appointments – this includes for women’s health conditions such as endometriosis and breast cancer. Health Minister, Baroness Gillian Merron, said:
“Losing a pregnancy can be devastating, and it is important that bereaved parents have the option to formally recognise the existence of their babies.
I would like to pay tribute to the bravery of countless women who have spoken up about their experiences, and to campaigners for their perseverance and great work promoting this service. From meeting with them, I know there is much to do to improve services on the ground.
We will always listen to women and families as we reform our NHS and maternity services, to make sure everyone gets the care and compassion they deserve.”
Baby loss certificates were first launched in February 2024 but were only available to those who had experienced a loss since September 2018.
The voluntary service was extended by this government in October 2024 to allow all parents to apply, no matter when they lost their baby. Sands Chief Executive, Clea Harmer, said:
“It’s wonderful that baby loss certificates have enabled so many bereaved parents in England whose lives have been touched by pregnancy loss to get official recognition that their babies existed and matter.
The certificates are an important part of many people’s bereavement journey, and while we recognise they are not something everyone wants, we would like all bereaved parents to have that choice. Sands is here to offer understanding and emotional support for every bereaved parent and family, for as long as they need this.”
In November, the government announced new regulations which will fortify bread with folic acid, reducing neural tube defects by 20% in the UK. Alongside this, an extra £57 million has been allocated for Start for Life services to help expectant and new mothers with a range of services, from breastfeeding to mental health support.
