Certification
For some parents, the sadness of pregnancy loss before 24 weeks is increased by the fact that there is no formal documentation that acknowledges the loss of their baby. However, as of November 2023, things are changing. 
If you live in Scotland you can apply to record your loss in a special Memorial Book and to receive a certificate of loss.
In England, the government has committed to offering optional certificates in early 2024.
We very much hope that Northern Ireland and Wales will do the same soon.
In the meantime, we recommend that NHS trusts and Health Boards create and offer some form of certification for parents who would like this.
Background
The law in England and Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland requires that the birth of a baby born dead from 24 weeks gestation should be registered as a stillbirth. A baby delivered either before or after 24 weeks gestation who shows signs of life but subsequently dies within 28 days is registered as a neonatal death. Registration is with the local Register Office in that country.
But many parents who lose a baby before 24 weeks of pregnancy would also welcome some form of certification. It is a marker of their loss and can bring some comfort at a difficult time.
I delivered a baby (recognisable) in hospital at 11 weeks and the hospital were kind enough to give us a certificate. It meant a lot to us that we were able to be given this as proof of our baby’s existence and the ‘labour’ I’d just gone through.
In their Good Practice Guide Registration of stillbirths and certification for pregnancy loss before 24 weeks of gestation, published in 2005, the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists notes:
NHS trusts and Health Boards are encouraged to develop a system of hospital-based commemorative certification for fetuses that are not classified as stillbirths. This would provide women or couples with a certificate recording their pregnancy loss before 24 weeks of gestation.
However, not all women or couples will want this certificate following a pregnancy loss.
For me it would be too painful a reminder of what I’d lost.
Recommendation
The Miscarriage Association recommends that all those who experience pregnancy loss before 24 weeks gestation are offered some form of certification – or in Scotland, the official certification information booklet – while recognising that some will not want to take it. Some parents might feel that it is inappropriate, or that it adds to their distress, or induces feelings of guilt. Some might just feel they they don’t need this kind of marker.
It should be noted that neither a hospital document nor the Scottish Government certificate has any legal force, not does it confer any benefit, such as paid leave. It would, however, offer an opportunity to increase the quality of care given to women who lose a baby before the legally recognised age of viability.
Notes on creating certificates
There are several things to consider when designing a certificate, or certificates – you may need more than one.
Consultation
In all cases, we’d recommend that you involve patients or patient groups to get a cross-section of opinion from people for whom this might be significant. It might be very useful to share ideas with colleagues in your place of work and/or elsewhere. Use the ideas and feedback to guide the design process – and be aware that you are likely to get differing opinions and will need to find a compromise.
Wording
Language is important, especially at a time of heightened sensitivity. Expressions or phrases that some people find comforting, such as ‘Born Sleeping’, may jar with others. We have some suggestions here.
It might be wise to avoid references to specific religions or beliefs. Parents can always request something more specific from a minister of their own faith and/or the hospital chaplain.
You might want to consider having different wording for different circumstances, such as gestational age or perhaps the cause of the loss (miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy, termination).
Design
We recommend that any document be produced on good quality notepaper or card, or in the form of a notelet. If it bears the hospital, Trust, Health Board or surgery name, address and logo, that can add a sense of formality.
You might want to think about the use of images. As with wording, something that seems absolutely right for one person can be anathema to another. It may be best to use a flower image – perhaps bluebells or forget-me-nots or Viola Tricolor, also known as Heartsease.
Do feel free to consult with us at the Miscarriage Association if you would like external feedback.
Another option
The Miscarriage Association offers a selection of memorial certificates,. These are blank, allowing people to personalise them with whatever details they want.
