Today, we are delighted to see Baby Loss Certificates become available in Northern Ireland.
This is a moment that means so much.
More than a decade ago, we began campaigning for official recognition of babies lost before 24 weeks. Through years of advocacy by Mariposa International (Saying Goodbye), and later through the Pregnancy Loss Review, which I was honoured to co-chair and author alongside Sam Collinge, Baby Loss Certificates became a reality in England and a similar scheme was launched in Scotland. Click here to read about the journey.
From the very beginning, our vision was that every bereaved family, wherever they lived, would have access to this recognition.
Today, we are incredibly proud to see that vision extended to Northern Ireland.
We would like to thank all those in Northern Ireland who have worked to make this rollout possible, including the elected representatives, officials and advocates who recognised the importance of giving bereaved families this opportunity.
While no certificate can ever lessen the pain of losing a baby, recognition matters. Acknowledgement matters. Remembering matters.
We hope these certificates bring comfort and validation to families across Northern Ireland, and provide a lasting acknowledgement of babies who were, and always will be, deeply loved.
This is an important day for bereaved families, and one we are proud to have played a part in bringing about.
We look forward to announcing the roll out in Wales soon.