Historic Day for Families in Northern Ireland as Deaths, Still-Births and Baby Loss Bill Passes Final Stage

The Northern Ireland Assembly has today made history with the successful passage of the Deaths, Still-Births and Baby Loss Bill through its Final Stage. This landmark legislation is set to bring essential improvements to how the law recognises and supports families experiencing the devastating loss of a baby.

The Bill, which now awaits Royal Assent to become law, will implement key recommendations, including:

• Modernising the Registration of Deaths and Still-Births: Streamlining and clarifying the legal processes for registration.
• Introduction of Baby Loss Certificates: Officially recognising the loss of babies who are born before 24 weeks of gestation, a vital step forward in acknowledging the grief of parents.

A significant aspect of this Bill-the inclusion of provisions for Baby Loss Certificates-was heavily influenced by the work of the Assembly's Finance Committee who worked with the Department for Finance before the introduction of the bill and pushed for the inclusion of the Baby Loss Certificates.

Finance Committee Chair, Matthew O'Toole MLA said: "The inclusion of the Baby Loss Certificate provision is a testament to the rigorous and compassionate scrutiny provided by the Finance Committee.

"Their dedication ensured that this Bill went beyond purely administrative changes to deliver a deeply meaningful measure of support for bereaved parents across Northern Ireland."

Deputy ChairDiane Forsythe MLA added: "As well as this, the passage of this Bill through its Final Stage is the culmination of years of campaigning by bereaved families and supportive organisations - including incredible organisations like the Forget Me Not Group.

"The introduction of Baby Loss Certificates is particularly welcomed as a formal recognition of the reality of early pregnancy loss, providing parents with a much-needed acknowledgment of their baby's existence."

The new legislation is expected to commence implementation within the coming months, following Royal Assent and the necessary operational preparations within the relevant Government Departments.

ENDS

Notes to Editors This makes Northern Ireland the first country within the UK to have legislation in relation to Baby Loss Certificates.

For media queries, please contact Robbie Best - Robbie.Best@niassembly.gov.uk