Baby Loss Awareness Week: Parliamentary Debate

In the UK one in two people will experience, or know someone who has experienced, the loss of a pregnancy or baby.

These are not just numbers – behind every statistic is a story of heartbreak, courage, and love. The debate provides a vital opportunity for Parliament to hear these stories, consider the realities of care provision, and reflect on how policies can better support anyone affected by the loss of a pregnancy or baby.

The debate also plays an important role in maintaining momentum for change in maternity and early pregnancy care.

Just ahead of this year’s debate, MBRRACE-UK (Mothers and Babies: Reducing Risk through Audits and Confidential Enquiries) published its latest report into maternal deaths and morbidity, setting out what must be done to make pregnancy safer.

The report found that many women are still falling through the gaps before, during, and after pregnancy. It calls for holistic, personalised care that meets both physical and emotional needs – a message that resonates deeply during Baby Loss Awareness Week.

Among the recommendations most relevant to early pregnancy and baby loss care are:

• Urgent referral pathways for women with complex social or medical needs, ensuring timely access to senior or specialist consultation.

• Clearer discharge summaries to help primary care teams continue supporting women after hospital care.

• Standardised assessment of social risk factors, such as domestic abuse, at booking and later in pregnancy.

• Leadership from perinatal mental health teams for all pregnant and recently pregnant women with mental health conditions, even if not formally accepted onto specialist services.

These improvements would help ensure that no woman or birthing person is left without the care and follow-up they need, especially after pregnancy or baby loss.

While this year’s MBRRACE-UK report focused more broadly on maternity and mental health, ectopic pregnancy was a major focus of the 2024 report, which revealed a concerning rise in deaths related to delayed diagnosis and treatment. Between 2021 and 2022, 12 women died from ectopic pregnancies – more than double the number in 2019.

The report highlighted that in 75% of cases, improvements in care might have made a difference. It called for changes to ambulance protocols, better awareness among clinicians and the public, and greater emphasis on early diagnosis – key messages that remain as vital as ever.

You can read our reflections on the 2024 findings in our blog: The EPT’s statement on the MBRRACE-UK report 2024 – Key Messages to Improve Care

This week, more than 700 people have written to their MPs through the Baby Loss Awareness Week e-action, asking them to attend the debate and speak up for better care and support. So far, 78 MPs have confirmed they plan to take part.

By coming together across parties and across the sector, we can keep shining a light on the real experiences behind the statistics – and work towards a future where fewer families face loss, and those who do receive the care, understanding, and compassion they deserve.

At The Ectopic Pregnancy Trust, we’ll be following the debate closely on the afternoon of Monday 13 October, and continuing to advocate for improved awareness, earlier diagnosis, and holistic support for anyone affected by ectopic pregnancy and all forms of pregnancy and baby loss.

Find out more about The Ectopic Pregnancy Trust’s planned activities for Baby Loss Awareness Week.