MSP for Central Scotland, Graham Simpson, has “warmly welcomed” the introduction of commemorative certificates for parents who have experienced a pregnancy or baby loss prior to 24 weeks.
Mr Simpson’s comments came after it was announced by the First Minister that a Baby Loss Memorial Book and applications for commemorative certificates will go live this summer.
Back in October 2022, Mr Simpson welcomed East Kilbride resident Heather Denham from Baby Loss Retreat to the Scottish Parliament.
Heather, who shared with Graham her heart-breaking experience of losing three children, was in the public gallery when Nicola Sturgeon agreed that the Scottish Government would look into the issue.
Currently, children born before 24 weeks do not receive a birth certificate and do not exist in the eyes of the law.
Mr Simpson said he “hopes” the introduction of a certificate will bring some comfort to parents in Scotland who have suffered such a terrible loss.
He also paid tribute to Heather, who’s “bravery and honesty” helped spearhead the campaign which will help thousands of families to grieve.
MSP for Central Scotland, Graham Simpson said: “The loss of a baby at any stage is an unimaginably upsetting and traumatic experience, so I warmly welcome Nicola Sturgeon’s announcement that a Baby Loss Book and commemorative certificates will go live in the summer.
“To give families a physical record to commemorate their child is an important step, which I hope will bring some comfort to parents who have suffered such a terrible loss.
“I would like to pay tribute to Heather, who showed remarkable bravery and honesty to raise this issue with me and subsequently contribute to the introduction of this important policy”.
Heather Denham from Baby Loss Retreat said: “The team at Baby Loss Retreat are absolutely delighted with Nicola Sturgeon’s announcement regarding Pregnancy Loss Certificates. It is something the charity have been campaigning for, for 4 years and when I joined the charity last year, my lived experience gave us a bigger voice and persistence at being heard.
“Knowing that babies born before 24 weeks will officially be recognised is not only a huge milestone for Scotland but it is a massive relief for grieving parents who want nothing more than official recognition for the babies we have lost.
“It means the world to Baby Loss Retreat and to thousands of other parents across the country. It also means everything to me as I kept my promise to my baby girl.
“Thank you so much to everyone who supported us through what has been a rollercoaster journey. Julie and Bryan would like to thank all of the parents who used their voices to make this change by speaking in Parliament, emailing MSPs about their baby loss journey and by protesting outside Parliament.
“We would also like to thank Nicola Sturgeon for listening to our concerns and for making the right decision.”
