Almost 8,000 certificates have been issued since June 2026 under Northern Ireland’s new Baby Loss Certificate Scheme, highlighting the value of formal acknowledgement for bereaved parents.

Finance Minister John O'Dowd said: "We have heard the impact of the certificates from bereaved parents, the comfort they feel in seeing their baby's name formally recognised, and what it means to have something tangible that acknowledges their child and their place within the family. "Some have described the certificate as providing enduring recognition that their babies remain an important and treasured part of their family story. Others have talked about how the certificates have provided acknowledgement not just from government but from society more broadly. This has helped grieving families feel supported and seen as they navigate an exceptionally difficult loss.

"Whilst no certificate could ease or diminish the grief that parents who have experienced the loss of their baby carry, the recognition of that loss is making a meaningful difference. This has been made possible thanks to the parents, advocates, and organisations who bravely shared their stories and campaigned for this scheme."

The certificates are available to anyone who experienced a loss before the end of the 24th week of pregnancy.

Applications can be made via the nidirect website: www.nidirect.gov.uk/services/baby-loss-certificate-scheme-northern-ireland