Northern Ireland passes new bill to recognise baby loss before 24 weeks

We are pleased to share that the Northern Ireland Assembly has taken an important step towards recognising early pregnancy loss, committing to introduce a baby loss certificate scheme for losses before 24 weeks as part of the Deaths, Still-Births and Baby Loss Bill.

Until now in Northern Ireland, there has been no formal recognition for losses before 24-weeks in pregnancy, but following sustained campaigning and cross-party support, the Department of Finance has drafted legislation to change this. The Bill passed its final stage in the Assembly yesterday (Tuesday 2 December), paving the way for an official certificate of early loss to be introduced.

While the certificate will not be a legal document, for many families it represents validation that their baby existed.

NI Finance Minister John O’Dowd, who brought the Bill forward, said he hoped the new certificates would offer “a small candlelight of hope” to bereaved families. He intends the scheme to be in place by March 2026.

Members from across the Assembly paid tribute to those who campaigned for change, calling the legislation a “small but meaningful gesture” that ensures families will no longer feel their loss is invisible.

Vicki Robinson, Miscarriage Association Chief Executive, said:

“This is an important moment for so many people in Northern Ireland. Early pregnancy loss can be devastating, yet those who experience it often feel their grief goes unseen.

“The introduction of a certificate scheme offers many the recognition and simple acknowledgement that their baby mattered. We warmly welcome this change and the compassion it represents.”

The news follows the rollout of baby loss certificates in England in February 2024, and Wales’ commitment to introduce a similar scheme, though no date has yet been confirmed.