The Journey to Recognition: Baby Loss Certificates for England

In 2013, Zoe sat at a desk, surrounded by letters and messages from bereaved parents who had experienced baby loss. Over and over, they told her the same thing—not just about their heartbreak, but about the deafening silence that followed it. There were no official records. No recognition. No certificate to say their baby ever existed.

And so began a journey—a long, often uphill campaign—to bring visibility, dignity and recognition to every baby lost before 24 weeks of pregnancy.

This wasn’t just policy work. This was deeply personal. As a mother who had also faced baby loss, she knew that pain intimately. As a leading grief expert, she knew the loneliness that comes when the world moves on, but your world stands still. And she knew—without a doubt—that every life matters, no matter how short.

🌱 The Beginning: The Campaign Launch in 2015

In 2015, we launched a Mariposa International (Saying Goodbye) campaign calling on the UK Government to introduce baby loss certificates for babies lost before 24 weeks—losses that, under law, were not registered and often not acknowledged in any official way.

We weren’t calling for a change to legal viability definitions, or for these to be mandatory like a birth or death certificate. We were calling for compassion. For choice. For a way to say, “My baby was here. They existed. They mattered.”

At the time, there was no precedent for this in the UK. The idea of formal recognition for pre-24-week baby losses wasn’t even a whisper in Parliament, but we wanted to make it a roar.

🕊️ Building Momentum: The Next Few Years

What followed were years of dedicated campaigning, lobbying, writing—and most importantly, listening. We listened to the stories of thousands of families. We gathered evidence. We knocked on the doors of MPs, government departments, ministers and Peers. Sometimes those doors opened. Sometimes they didn’t.

We organised meetings, wrote letters, and built partnerships with key individuals. We poured our energy—and our heartbreak—into transforming quiet stories of loss into visible, undeniable truths.

During an appearance on BBC Breakfast in January 2017, alongside actress and Saying Goodbye charity ambassador Kym Marsh, Zoe spoke publicly about the campaign for certificates. Shortly after the interview, she received a message from the House of Lords. Baroness Benjamin requested a meeting, expressing her support for the charity and the introduction of certification.

What followed were multiple discussions and meetings that ultimately led to the introduction of a Private Member’s Bill in the House of Lords on 6 July 2017, calling for the creation of certificates for all pre-24-week baby losses.

And then we made a big step forward.

📜 The Pregnancy Loss Review is Commissioned

In February 2018, the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care commissioned the Pregnancy Loss Review, and Zoe was honoured to be asked to co-chair and author it alongside one of the leading bereavement midwifery specialists in the UK, Samantha Collinge.

Tweet from the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care

The goal was clear: to explore how care could be improved for those experiencing baby loss, and how recognition could be offered to babies lost before 24 weeks. The Health Secretary was aware of our campaign and the Private Member’s Bill, and agreed that certification should be included as part of the review.

This was the moment—the door we had spent years pushing on was further opened.

But this wasn’t a shortcut. It marked the beginning of a deeper, more comprehensive process. Over the following years, Zoe and Sam travelled across the country, held roundtables, and engaged in thousands of conversations with healthcare professionals and bereaved families. They listened, they learned, and they worked together to ensure every voice was heard.

💬 What They Heard: Grief, Gaps, and a Cry for Recognition

The review took them deep into hospitals, clinics and homes across England. They heard from thousands of people. They saw extraordinary acts of care—and heartbreaking gaps where support simply didn’t exist. Again and again, they heard about the pain of invisibility—when a baby dies before 24 weeks and there is no formal acknowledgement of their life.

They had more meetings than they could count with the NHS, GP’s, Ambulance Services, Charities, Organisations, Medical Institutions and Royal Colleges exploring clinical care, training, compassion, guidelines, protocols and much more.

They met with numerous MPs, Peers and Civil Servants to understand what could be changed, and they considered how they could facilitate that happening.

It was clear: something had to change, and the review could be the vehicle for those changes to be implemented. Within their Pregnancy Loss Review recommendations, one stood out as a milestone in recognition:

The introduction of a national, optional certificate to acknowledge babies lost before 24 weeks. The certificate also needed to be available retrospectively, allowing millions of bereaved parents to receive a certificate for losses over previous years or decades.

The review process did not end with simply making recommendations, it went much further.

Zoe and Sam played a central role in the design and development of the entire system for certificates of baby loss. This was not a superficial involvement—it required deep, hands-on work from the ground up. They designed the certificates themselves, ensuring they were sensitive, appropriate, and truly reflected the significance of each baby’s life.

Alongside this, they worked closely with government departments to establish how the system would operate in practice—identifying who would administer it, how it would function day-to-day, and what safeguards were needed to prevent errors or distress. Every potential problem had to be foreseen and addressed. The system had to be watertight—not just operationally, but emotionally and ethically.

This was a hugely complex piece of work, and their involvement spanned every stage—from vision and concept through to the practical delivery of a system that would support bereaved parents across the country for generations to come.

Saying Goodbye were also privileged to work closely with Zoe and Sam through this process, as the sole campaigners for this cause.

📣 Change is Announced

In July 2022, the government took a significant step forward in advancing women’s health by launching the Women’s Health Strategy. This ambitious policy aimed to address key issues affecting women, including menopause, mental health, and more. As part of the strategy’s development, the Health Secretary’s team approached Zoe and Sam to request their permission to include an early recommendation from the Pregnancy Loss Review—specifically, the introduction of certificates of loss—as part of the strategy. Zoe and Sam gladly gave permission, and it was formally announced by the Prime Minister.

A tweet from the Health Minister.

In July 2023, after a decade of campaigning, we were proud—and honestly quite emotional—to see the Government accept the full 73 recommendations of the Pregnancy Loss Review and announce the introduction of the first 20 recommendations to be prioritised which included Baby Loss Certificates for England.

Click here to read the review in full

This was a historic step. For the first time, parents who lost a baby before 24 weeks would have the option to request a certificate to honour their child’s life. It had taken ten years. Countless meetings. Endless strength from grieving parents who found the courage to share their stories. But we were here.

💻 The Launch of the Baby Loss Certificate System

In February 2024, the certificate system officially went live. It allowed parents in England to request an official, government-issued, Baby Loss Certificate for babies lost before 24 weeks. Initially, the system would only allow applications for losses since September 2018 (due to concern over the ability of the administrative system to handle a vast amount of applications in one go), but this limit would be a temporary measure.

Key points of the certificates:

• Free of charge – the government would fund the certificate and delivery cost

• Optional—because some may not want it, and that’s okay

• Meaningful—a formal way to honour a baby’s existence, even when the law didn’t previously allow it

• Retrospective—to ensure no bereaved parent who wanted a certificate would be denied one

💻 The full rolling out of the Baby Loss Certificate System

In October 2024, the date restriction on applications was lifted and the application process was open for all. People who had lost a baby decades ago were now able to apply alongside people with more recent losses.

💬 Why are the certificates only available to those who live in England?

While the charity’s campaign for certificates covers the entire UK, the Pregnancy Loss Review primarily focused on England. The other three nations—Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland—were given access to the report, but due to devolved powers, the UK Government could not make decisions on their behalf.

Scotland, recognising the value of the review’s work, introduced a similar certificate for Scottish residents. Wales and Northern Ireland are currently considering how best to implement certificates for their citizens.

We remain hopeful that both nations will move forward with certificate schemes in the near future.

💔 Why Certificates Matter

This certificate does not change the depth of loss. It doesn’t erase pain. But what it does do is this:

It gives parents choice. It offers validation. It honours the truth that love begins long before 24 weeks—and so does grief.

💬 So What Next!

Mariposa International made a clear commitment: once certificates were introduced in the UK, the charity would continue working internationally on rolling out not only the certificates, but also helping governments, NGO’s and organisations improve their bereavement support. Our goal is to ensure that people in other countries have access to similar forms of recognition. To that end, the charity began engaging with officials in the United States and other nations in 2024 to explore, advise on, and advocate for the introduction of certification and better support globally. To further this cause, Mariposa International launched the ‘Global Baby Loss Alliance‘ to bring together experts, governments, NGO’s and frontline personnel to collaborate and share best practice and clinical advancements in the field of baby loss.

🙏 Thank You

To every parent who shared their story with us.

To every MP, Minister and Peer who listened and acted.

To Baroness Benjamin who tirelessly campaigned with us.

To the Department of Health and Social Care for hearing our call.

To our dear friend and ally Samantha Collinge for being a compassionate and dedicated co-chair to Zoe.

And most of all—to every baby whose life, no matter how brief, changed the world.

These certificates are for you.

🔗 Want to Apply for a Certificate?

You can apply online for a Baby Loss Certificate using the link below:

👉 https://www.gov.uk/request-baby-loss-certificate

📣Frequently asked questions about the certificates:

• Why aren’t these certificates legal? – From the point of launching the campaign, we were passionate that the certificates should be retrospective—meaning they could be applied for no matter when the loss occurred. If Zoe and Sam had pursued making these certificates legal rather than official, certificates could only have applied to future losses from the date of legislation. That would have excluded millions of families, and they felt that would not only be unfair—it would be deeply unjust. The second key reason they chose not to make this a legal document is that legal certificates are compulsory. And when you’ve experienced the devastation of baby loss, the last thing you need is another thing being forced upon you. Bereaved parents have so few choices—they often feel everything is spinning out of their control. This certificate was designed to be different. If a parent wants a certificate, they can apply. If they don’t, that’s entirely their decision. No pressure. No expectations. Just choice. This certificate is about acknowledgment. It recognises a life lost, and offers formal recognition that a baby was here, however briefly. It matters—because they mattered. We hope this helps explain why Zoe and Sam didn’t make it a legal, mandatory document.

• I don’t have evidence of my losses, as my GP didn’t record them in my medical notes. Can I still apply for a certificate? – Yes, absolutely. Zoe and Sam were very aware that many losses were never formally recorded in medical notes—for a wide range of reasons. If the government had required medical evidence of a loss to apply for a certificate, millions of bereaved parents would have been excluded from accessing this long-awaited recognition. It was vitally important to Zoe, Sam and Saying Goodbye that anyone who has experienced the heartbreak of baby loss could apply, regardless of when their loss occurred or whether it was officially documented. That’s why no medical proof is needed. The system is built on trust and compassion, and certificates are issued on an honesty-based approach. They trust that only those who have experienced the loss of a baby will apply. We hope this reassures anyone worried that a lack of documentation on their GP or hospital records would prevent them from receiving a certificate. It won’t.

• Does the type of loss I’ve experienced matter? I’m concerned that my baby loss might not be included. – No, the type of loss does not exclude you from applying. Every form of pre-24-week baby loss is recognised within this certificate system. Whether you experienced a miscarriage (at any stage), an ectopic pregnancy, molar pregnancy, TFMR (termination for medical reasons), loss following embryo transfer, or any other form of early loss—you are eligible to apply. To clarify: if you experienced the loss of a baby before 24 weeks’ gestation and would like an official government-issued certificate, you are able to apply. Every loss matters, and every baby remembered through this scheme is honoured with equal care and dignity.

• What if one of the baby’s parents has passed away—can I still apply for a certificate? – Yes, absolutely. If one of the baby’s parents is no longer alive, you can still apply for a baby loss certificate, and both parents can still be named and honoured on it. In these circumstances, the process just requires a slightly different approach to ensure everything is handled correctly and sensitively. The government ask that you call the helpline, where a team member will guide you through the steps personally. The team will support you with everything needed to complete the application and ensure both parents are acknowledged. This certificate is about recognition, remembrance, and love—and that includes the love of a parent who may no longer be here but whose role and bond with their baby will always matter. The contact number is 0300 330 9445 (Monday to Friday, 9am-5pm)

• Why do both parents need to give permission to be named on the certificate? – This is a question many people ask, and it’s an important one. The reason both parents must give their permission to be named on the certificate is to protect everyone’s legal rights, privacy, and wishes. Even though this is not a legal certificate, it is an official government-issued document—and once created, it becomes a permanent record. Including someone’s name without their consent could have unintended emotional or legal consequences, especially in cases where relationships have broken down or where a parent does not wish to be named. Requiring consent from both parents ensures that everyone listed has agreed to be included, which protects families and maintains the integrity of the process. We know this may add an extra step for some, but it’s there to ensure the certificate honours the baby while also respecting everyone involved.

• What if I lose my certificate or need extra copies? – We understand how precious these certificates are, and we also know that sometimes things get lost or damaged—or that families may want to keep a copy in more than one place. That’s why the system allows you to request up to three certificates per baby lost. So if you need a replacement or would like an additional copy—for yourself, a partner, or to keep somewhere safe—you can request one through the same application process. This certificate is a lasting symbol of recognition and remembrance, and we want to make sure every parent who needs one has access to it.

• What if we didn’t name our baby—can we still apply? – Absolutely. You can still apply for a certificate, whether you named your baby or not. The application allows you to choose what feels right for you. You can include your baby’s full name if you gave them one, or simply use a surname or family name. There’s no pressure, no expectation—just the space to honour your baby in the way that feels most personal and meaningful to you. We know that not everyone had the opportunity—or felt able—to name their baby at the time. That doesn’t make their loss any less significant, and it doesn’t make their certificate any less valid. Every baby is worthy of recognition, whether they were named or not.

• My loss was before 1992 and was between 24 and 28 weeks, when stillbirth certificates were not issued. Can I apply? – Up until 1992, stillbirth certificates were only issued for losses after 28-weeks gestation. Because of this, individuals who lost a baby before the 1st of October 1992 up to 28-weeks gestation are able to apply for a baby loss certificate.

• How long will my certificate take to arrive? – Your certificate should arrive within 14-days of the application process being completed. If your certificate has not arrived, call the helpline or make another application. You can also email the certificate team at: [email protected]

Twin and Multiple Update: We’re pleased to share that the application process for the baby loss certificates has now been updated to make things simpler for those who experienced the heartbreaking loss of twins or a multiple pregnancy. You no longer need to complete a separate application for each baby. Instead, one application can now be submitted to request multiple certificates—each one individually recognising the precious lives lost. This change was made in direct response to feedback from bereaved families, and we’re so grateful to everyone who highlighted the need for this improvement. It’s a small but significant adjustment that we hope will make the process gentler and less overwhelming during such an emotional time. Please note that if you have lost four or more babies in a single pregnancy, you will need to call the helpline or email the team and they will guide you through the application process.