Menu
26/03/2025
Ministers Welcome First Steps Towards Baby Loss Certificate Scheme
Finance Minister John O'Dowd and Health Minister Mike Nesbitt have welcomed the introduction of the Deaths, Still-Births and Baby Loss Bill to the Assembly, marking the first legislative steps towards establishing a Baby Loss Certificate Scheme in Northern Ireland.
Currently, the law only officially recognises the death of a baby if it occurs after 24 weeks of pregnancy. The new scheme aims to provide formal recognition for bereaved families who have experienced the loss of a baby before this gestational period.
Speaking after the Bill was formally introduced, Finance Minister John O'Dowd said: "Losing a baby is an incredibly painful and overwhelming experience for everyone involved, including parents, family members, and loved ones. Today marks the start of the legislative process to establish a Baby Loss Certificate scheme which will help give bereaved families the opportunity to have formal recognition of their loss."
Minister O'Dowd emphasised his commitment to listening to the experiences of bereaved parents and families. "While the Assembly considers our Bill, my department, along with the Department of Health, will begin preparations to consult on the workings of the scheme with families, charities and bereavement organisations, to make sure the scheme being developed meets the needs of those who have suffered the tragic loss of a baby. I hope the Baby Loss Certificate Scheme will be operational by the end of the year."
Health Minister Mike Nesbitt echoed this sentiment, stating: "I recognise the trauma and pain of pregnancy and baby loss, and the enormous impact this can have on parents. I remain fully supportive of the introduction of a Baby Loss Certificate Scheme in Northern Ireland for parents who have suffered the loss of a child before 24 weeks gestation, and I welcome the introduction of this Bill to the Assembly."
Minister Nesbitt confirmed that his officials will continue to collaborate with the Department of Finance to advance this important scheme, which will include consulting with relevant stakeholders on the proposed details in due course.
Currently, the law only officially recognises the death of a baby if it occurs after 24 weeks of pregnancy. The new scheme aims to provide formal recognition for bereaved families who have experienced the loss of a baby before this gestational period.
Speaking after the Bill was formally introduced, Finance Minister John O'Dowd said: "Losing a baby is an incredibly painful and overwhelming experience for everyone involved, including parents, family members, and loved ones. Today marks the start of the legislative process to establish a Baby Loss Certificate scheme which will help give bereaved families the opportunity to have formal recognition of their loss."
Health Minister Mike Nesbitt echoed this sentiment, stating: "I recognise the trauma and pain of pregnancy and baby loss, and the enormous impact this can have on parents. I remain fully supportive of the introduction of a Baby Loss Certificate Scheme in Northern Ireland for parents who have suffered the loss of a child before 24 weeks gestation, and I welcome the introduction of this Bill to the Assembly."
Minister Nesbitt confirmed that his officials will continue to collaborate with the Department of Finance to advance this important scheme, which will include consulting with relevant stakeholders on the proposed details in due course.
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
10 October 2024
Ministers Affirm Commitment To Baby Loss Certificate Scheme
Finance Minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald and Health Minister Mike Nesbitt have issued a joint message of support to those affected by pregnancy and baby loss. The Ministers confirmed their commitment to working together to deliver a Baby Loss Certificate Scheme for parents who have lost a baby during pregnancy up to 24 weeks.
Ministers Affirm Commitment To Baby Loss Certificate Scheme
Finance Minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald and Health Minister Mike Nesbitt have issued a joint message of support to those affected by pregnancy and baby loss. The Ministers confirmed their commitment to working together to deliver a Baby Loss Certificate Scheme for parents who have lost a baby during pregnancy up to 24 weeks.
16 April 2024
Ministers Commit To Introducing Baby Loss Certificates
The Minister's for Finance and Health have committed to working together to progress the introduction of baby loss certificates for parents who have lost a baby during pregnancy before 24 weeks. Under current legislation, the death of a baby is only officially recognised if it occurs after the 24th week of pregnancy.
Ministers Commit To Introducing Baby Loss Certificates
The Minister's for Finance and Health have committed to working together to progress the introduction of baby loss certificates for parents who have lost a baby during pregnancy before 24 weeks. Under current legislation, the death of a baby is only officially recognised if it occurs after the 24th week of pregnancy.
04 October 2024
Bookstart Baby Program Returns To Northern Ireland
Education Minister Paul Givan has expressed his support for the reintroduction of the Bookstart Baby program in Northern Ireland. This program aims to promote early intervention with families and encourage shared reading. The Bookstart Baby program provides packs to babies and young children, fostering a love of reading from a young age.
Bookstart Baby Program Returns To Northern Ireland
Education Minister Paul Givan has expressed his support for the reintroduction of the Bookstart Baby program in Northern Ireland. This program aims to promote early intervention with families and encourage shared reading. The Bookstart Baby program provides packs to babies and young children, fostering a love of reading from a young age.
14 September 2011
Poots Offers Condolences At Death Of Couple
Health Minister Edwin Poots has expressed his sadness at the death of the couple near Ravernet at the weekend. The bodies of Phyllis and Cyril Gardner, in their 50s, were found in their car at a field on Green Road near the village on Sunday. Mr Poots said: "This a terrible tragedy which has left their community reeling.
Poots Offers Condolences At Death Of Couple
Health Minister Edwin Poots has expressed his sadness at the death of the couple near Ravernet at the weekend. The bodies of Phyllis and Cyril Gardner, in their 50s, were found in their car at a field on Green Road near the village on Sunday. Mr Poots said: "This a terrible tragedy which has left their community reeling.
17 October 2024
Sands Launches National Bereavement Care Pathway In NI
Sands, the UK's leading pregnancy and baby loss charity, has announced the launch of a National Bereavement Care Pathway (NBCP) in Northern Ireland. This initiative aims to improve the quality of care provided to parents who have experienced pregnancy or baby loss.
Sands Launches National Bereavement Care Pathway In NI
Sands, the UK's leading pregnancy and baby loss charity, has announced the launch of a National Bereavement Care Pathway (NBCP) in Northern Ireland. This initiative aims to improve the quality of care provided to parents who have experienced pregnancy or baby loss.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A sunny but frosty start for many. However cloud increases by midday with a few showers reaching the north coast, these mostly light but spreading inland this afternoon. Chilly. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A rather cloudy evening with scattered showers. Becoming drier through the night with some good clear spells developing and a patchy frost away from coasts. Minimum temperature 0 °C.
