Have Your Say: Consultation on New Baby Loss Certificate Scheme in Northern Ireland

We know how important recognition can be after pregnancy loss. For many, a certificate acknowledging the loss of their baby or pregnancy offers a meaningful way to mark their experience, a formal validation of an experience that can otherwise go unseen. 

Currently, only losses after 24 weeks (or after 28 weeks if occurred before October 1992) can be registered as stillbirths and receive a certificate. Earlier losses, such as miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy, molar pregnancy, or termination for medical reasons (TMFR), are not recognised in the same way. 

While nothing can take away the pain of pregnancy and baby loss, this proposed scheme is a step towards acknowledging that every experience matters, and everyone should have access to recognition, if they choose. 

England introduced voluntary Baby Loss Certificates in February 2024, and Scotland launched a similar initiative, the Memorial Book, in October 2023. This consultation is the next step towards offering a comparable option in Northern Ireland. 

The proposed Baby Loss Certificate Scheme would: 

• Be completely voluntary, there would be no legal obligation to apply for a certificate. 

• Have no official or legal status, but would serve as a meaningful acknowledgement of pregnancy and baby loss. 

• Be available to anyone impacted by pregnancy loss before 24 weeks, offering a way to remember and honour their baby. 

The Department is asking for feedback to help shape the scheme in a way that reflects the real needs and wishes of those it hopes to support. 

The consultation is now open and runs until 4pm on Friday 12 September 2025. 

You can view the proposals and submit your response online here: www.finance-ni.gov.uk/consultations/baby-loss-certificate-scheme 

If you’d prefer a paper copy, you can contact the General Register Office by:
Email: GRO.Consultations@finance-ni.gov.uk
Phone: 028 9041 6763 

This announcement may have brought up many emotions for you. Whether or not you choose to take part in the consultation, our support routes are always open to you. Please be kind to yourself and know that we are here for you, wherever you are in your journey and whether your loss was recent or some time ago.