MSP for Central Scotland, Graham Simpson, has today won a promise from Nicola Sturgeon to introduce pregnancy loss certificates for stillborn babies less than 24 weeks old.
Mr Simpson’s call came after being contacted by East Kilbride constituent, Heather Denham, who works for local charity Baby Loss Retreat.
Heather shared with Graham her heart-breaking experience of losing three children, one of which was 20 weeks old.
Sadly, children born before 24 weeks do not receive a birth certificate and do not exist in the eyes of the law.
The UK Government has recently introduced a similar certificate as part of their Women’s Health Strategy for England but no such provision exists in Scotland.
In response to Mr Simpson, Nicola Sturgeon agreed to investigate introducing baby loss certificates in Scotland and added she always marks baby loss awareness week personally.
Central Scotland MSP, Graham Simpson said: “Losing a baby at such an early stage is an unimaginably upsetting and traumatic experience. The least bereaved mothers deserve is the comfort of having their lost children recognised by law.
“The UK Government has launched an initiative which will issue mothers with a pregnancy loss certificate if their baby is born at less than 24 weeks, and I have called on Nicola Sturgeon to ensure the same scheme is rolled out here in Scotland
“I was pleased to raise this on behalf of Heather and delighted that the First Minister has pledged to work toward launching this important initiative in Scotland.
“This is a simple policy that will make an immeasurable difference to grieving mothers and families across the country.”
Heather Denham from Baby Loss Retreat said: “I am delighted that the First Minister has committed to introducing pregnancy loss certificates in Scotland. It will mean so much to thousands of people who have lost children.
“Being part of First Minister’s Questions and hearing my story spoken about has been incredible.
“I am so grateful to Graham Simpson for taking my story to parliament and can’t wait to see the final result.”
