Milestone moment as more than 100,000 Baby Loss Certificates are issued in England
8th April 2025
It was today (Tuesday 8th April) announced that more than 100,000 certificates have been issued to women and their partners grieving the loss of a baby in pregnancy before 24 weeks.
The response the voluntary scheme, since its announcement in February last year, underlines how important the certificates have become in recognising these tiny lives lost too soon.
Vicki Robinson, Chief Executive of the Miscarriage Association, said:
“This is an important milestone and one that shows the vital role that recognition, support and understanding play in helping bereaved parents cope with their loss.
“However early a pregnancy is lost, it can be felt as a bereavement like any other as people try to come to terms with the end of a very special set of hopes, dreams, and plans for the future.
“These certificates provide official recognition that their baby existed, mattered, and will never be forgotten. The positive difference that makes to so many at an extremely distressing time cannot be overstated.
Health Minister Baroness Gillian Merron added:
“Losing a pregnancy can be devastating, and it is important that bereaved parents have the option to formally recognise the existence of their babies.
“I would like to pay tribute to the bravery of countless women who have spoken up about their experiences, and to campaigners for their perseverance and great work promoting this service. From meeting with them, I know there is much to do to improve services on the ground.
“We will always listen to women and families as we reform our NHS and maternity services, to make sure everyone gets the care and compassion they deserve.”
Until last February, there was no official recognition of losses before 24 weeks – only babies lost after 24 weeks were formally recorded.
The certificates continue to be entirely optional and while not legal documents, they provide comfort to many who may have felt their loss was not considered as important as others.
Presently, certificates are only available in England and Scotland. The Government in Northern Ireland has committed to providing Baby Loss Certificates, but they are not yet available. Discussions are also ongoing around extending the scheme to Wales.
If you would like to receive a certificate of your loss in England, please click here or for losses in Scotland, click here. You can read more about the other ways you may wish to mark your loss here.
