Baby Loss Certificates launched in Northern Ireland as parents gain formal recognition of pregnancy loss
- Love Ballymena
- 5 minutes ago
- 3 min read
Families across Northern Ireland who have experienced the loss of a baby before 24 weeks of pregnancy can now apply for an official Baby Loss Certificate, marking a significant change in how early pregnancy loss is formally recognised.
The new scheme, which has now gone live following the passing of the Baby Loss Certificate Regulations in the Northern Ireland Assembly, allows parents to obtain official recognition of a loss that, for many, has previously gone unacknowledged in any formal way.
The move has been welcomed by ministers, charities and bereaved parents, many of whom have campaigned for years to secure official recognition for families affected by miscarriage and baby loss before the legal threshold for stillbirth registration.
Finance Minister John O’Dowd described the introduction of the certificates as one of the most significant achievements of the current Assembly mandate.
He said while the certificates could never remove the grief experienced by parents, he hoped they would provide some comfort through formal recognition of their loss.
The minister also paid tribute to parents, advocates and organisations who shared personal experiences and campaigned for the scheme, saying their voices had helped shape the final policy.
Recognition for families facing profound loss
Health Minister Mike Nesbitt said he had met many families affected by baby loss and understood the devastating impact it can have.
He said the new scheme acknowledges the profound loss experienced by families whose babies died before 24 weeks of pregnancy and provides official recognition that many parents have long sought.
According to Mr Nesbitt, while nothing can remove the pain of losing a baby, formal acknowledgement can provide meaningful comfort by recognising that the baby existed, mattered and remains loved and remembered.
The launch event at Parliament Buildings brought together organisations and support groups that work closely with families navigating pregnancy and infant loss.
Campaigners welcome long-awaited milestone
Among those welcoming the launch was Clea Harmer, Chief Executive of the baby loss charity Sands.
She said the availability of Baby Loss Certificates in Northern Ireland was “wonderful news” for anyone who has experienced pregnancy or baby loss before 24 weeks.
Ms Harmer noted that while certificates may not be something every bereaved parent wishes to receive, having the option available is extremely important.
She added that recognising and remembering babies lost at any stage of pregnancy is a vital part of many people’s bereavement journey.
The development means Baby Loss Certificates are now available in England, Scotland and Northern Ireland, with work continuing to introduce a similar scheme in Wales.
Bereaved parents say certificates acknowledge grief
Sands Northern Ireland volunteer and bereaved mother Kelly Barnes said the scheme would provide long-awaited formal recognition for thousands of parents who have experienced losses before 24 weeks.
She said the certificates acknowledge both the babies who were lost and the grief carried by parents, adding that while nothing can take away the pain of loss, official recognition can help ease some of the emotional burden.
Louise Taylor, founder of the Little Forget Me Nots Trust, said many families have few physical reminders of the babies they lost, often relying on scan photographs, appointment letters or memory boxes as treasured keepsakes.
She said the certificates offer something many parents have sought for years — formal acknowledgement that their baby existed and remains part of their family story.
According to Ms Taylor, the introduction of the scheme also has the potential to change wider conversations around baby loss by helping parents speak more openly about their experiences.
Charities highlight growing demand
The pregnancy and baby charity Tommy’s also welcomed the launch.
Chief Executive Kath Abrahams said parents who lose a baby before 24 weeks deserve recognition and compassion in the same way as families grieving a loss at any stage of childhood.
She pointed to the strong response to the scheme in England, where tens of thousands of applications have been made since certificates were introduced in 2024.
Ms Abrahams said every family who applies can take some comfort from knowing that their baby, and the future they had imagined, has been formally acknowledged.
How parents can apply
Parents wishing to obtain a Baby Loss Certificate can now apply online through the Northern Ireland Executive’s nidirect service.
The certificates are available to anyone who has experienced a pregnancy loss before the end of the 24th week of pregnancy.
Applications can be made via the nidirect website at:
The launch represents a significant milestone for many bereaved families across Northern Ireland, providing official recognition of losses that campaigners say have too often remained unseen despite their lifelong emotional impact.