The Royal College of Midwives (RCM) has welcomed the Department of Health and Social Care’s decision to remove the 2018 cut-off date to allow all those who have experienced pregnancy loss in England to request a Baby Loss Certificate.

The certificate service is a voluntary scheme to enable parents who have experienced a baby or pregnancy loss prior to 24 weeks gestation to receive a certificate providing recognition of their loss if they wish to do so.

Commenting, Emma Rose, Quality and Standards Advisor at the RCM, said:

“Extending the baby loss certificate scheme is an important step in acknowledging and respecting the experiences of all bereaved parents and families. How women and families are supported following a pregnancy loss can have a huge impact on their lives.

“The RCM continues to advocate for dedicated, well-resourced bereavement services that are delivered by staff who have specialist training and the psychological support needed to provide this care compassionately and effectively. Many women who experience early pregnancy loss receive care outside maternity services, so it’s important that this is also borne in mind in the development of support.”

While there are some excellent examples of bereavement support across the country, the RCM says perinatal mental health is not often given the priority it needs. This, it says, can impact on the level of support that women and their families receive when they lose a baby.

ENDS

For interview requests and to contact the RCM Media Office call 020 7312 3456, or email media@rcm.org.uk

NOTES TO EDITORS

• Act now to end the postcode lottery of perinatal mental health provision says RCM
• Perinatal mental health – why it matters and what midwives can do – Royal College of Midwives (rcm.org.uk)
• RCM Roadmap – Strengthening Perinatal Mental Health