Mum says baby loss certificates are a way to honor our babies

A mother who experienced four miscarriages has welcomed the introduction of new certificates that formally acknowledge pregnancies lost before 24 weeks, saying they will "honour those babies".

Gemma McGibbon, 37, a mother of two daughters, suffered her losses between April 2022 and November 2023, in the period between her childrens births. In Northern Ireland, only the death of a baby after 24 weeks is officially registered as a stillbirth, unlike in England where earlier losses can also be recognized.

Following advocacy and cross-party support, the Department of Finance has drafted legislation to change this. The Deaths, Still-Births and Baby Loss Bill successfully passed its final stage in the Assembly on Tuesday.

The new certificate is a government-issued document rather than a legal one. For Gemma, who is from Portadown, County Armagh, the certificates represent acknowledgment and recognition for parents. She emphasized the importance of formally recognizing loss prior to 24 weeks and said parents should have the option to apply for these certificates if they wish.

"It is a way to honour those babies and formally recognize our loss, keeping it as part of our family story," she said, describing the experience of miscarriage as isolating. Gemma added that, while she had family support, there is a lack of mental health services and persistent stigma surrounding pregnancy loss.

She stated that initiatives like this are crucial for reducing stigma and showing societal compassion towards parents experiencing loss at any stage of pregnancy. "This is saying: 'We see your pain, we acknowledge this, and we want to help you,'" she added.

Stormonts Finance Minister, John O'Dowd, whose department drafted the bill, said the scheme would provide "a small candlelight of hope to many families" in Northern Ireland. He aims for the scheme to be implemented by the end of the current financial year in March, describing it as one of the most meaningful pieces of legislation he has introduced.

"It will give bereaved parents and families who have suffered the devastating loss of a baby in the first 24 weeks formal recognition and acknowledgment," O'Dowd said.

Matthew O'Toole, chair of Stormont's Finance Committee, described the initiative as a "small but meaningful gesture" for grieving families, ensuring that no family will feel their loss is unrecognized in the future. Deputy Chair Diane Forsythe praised the campaigners and highlighted the legislations recognition of "the reality of early pregnancy loss".

The law also addresses disparities in birth and stillbirth registration for same-sex and heterosexual couples not married or in a civil partnership. Previously, same-sex female couples could not jointly register births or stillbirths in the same way heterosexual couples could. The new legislation ensures equality in the registration process.

Additionally, the bill makes permanent the powers for remote registration of deaths and stillbirths, and electronic transfer of registration documents. O'Dowd emphasized that the legislation tackles key issues supporting people during their most challenging moments, showcasing the positive results of collaboration and partnership.

Foyle MLA Mark H Durkan described the certificates as a "small but very meaningful gesture," giving families a way to remember their loss. He noted, "This moment belongs to everyone who shared their story and experience of unimaginable loss."

Support and advice for those affected by pregnancy or baby loss are available on the BBC Action Line website.

Author: Sophia Brooks