An Armagh-based community group designed to provide support and comfort to parents who have suffered the loss of a baby have had their say on the recent passing of the Baby Loss Bill.
After being introduced to the NI Assembly in March of this year, the Bill formally passed on December 2. It creates a new legal basis for a Baby Loss Certificate Scheme that will allow parents who lose a baby before 24 weeks of pregnancy to obtain a certificate acknowledging that loss.
Until now, under Northern Ireland law, only babies lost after the 24th week could be officially registered as a still-birth or death. Loss before 24 weeks – such as early miscarriage – carried no formal recognition.
A new group called ‘Roots & Wings’ has been set up in the last number of months in the city to help create a “safe, nurturing space where grief can be honoured and healing can begin”.
Several of their members would have benefited from a Baby Loss Certificate had the scheme been in place at the time of their own heart-breaking bereavements.
Speaking on the passing of the Bill, the group said: “The passing of the Baby Loss Bill is a deeply meaningful step forward for families who have experienced the heartbreak of losing a baby.
“For too long, many parents have carried their grief in silence, feeling unseen and unsupported.
“This new certificate offers long-overdue recognition, dignity, and validation to those whose lives have been forever changed by loss.
“At Roots and Wings, we welcome this legislation as a powerful acknowledgment that every baby matters, and every family’s story deserves to be honoured.
“While no law can take away the pain, this step ensures that parents’ experiences are formally recognised and that their babies’ lives are remembered with respect.
“Today’s progress brings hope that by listening to families and recognising their grief, we can build a kinder and more supportive future for all.”
Sinn Féin Councillor Sarah Duffy – who has been a supportive advocate of the new community group – has also welcome the decision saying the legislation delivers long-overdue recognition, understanding and support to families who experience the tragic loss of a baby.
Councillor Duffy said: “This Bill is about acknowledging the depth of grief that parents go through and ensuring that their loss is recognised with compassion and dignity. No family should ever feel that their heartbreak is overlooked or minimised. Our society must be one built on compassion, and this legislation is a significant step in making sure those enduring baby loss are supported in the way they deserve.
She emphasised that the voices of community groups were crucial in shaping this change:
“Local groups, particularly Roots and Wings, have been the driving force behind this progress. Their advocacy has ensured that lived experience is at the core of the Bill -that parents are listened to, understood and supported.
Paying tribute to those she has worked closely with, Councillor Duffy continued:
“I’ve had the privilege of working alongside incredible advocates like Alisha, Megan and Evelyn. Their strength, campaigning and refusal to let families suffer in silence have been instrumental. They turned their own experiences into a force for change, ensuring that support is meaningful and grounded in real understanding.
She concluded by reaffirming Sinn Féin’s dedication to supporting families at every stage of this journey:
“Sinn Féin is fully committed to building a society where families facing the most devastating loss are met with empathy, respect, and proper support. This legislation is a powerful example of what we can achieve when we listen to our communities and stand together to deliver the compassionate change they need and deserve.”
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has also welcomed the progress, bringing long-awaited recognition and comfort to families who have suffered the heartbreak of losing a baby before 24 weeks.
She said: “For years I have called for proper recognition for grieving parents who have endured the heartbreak of baby loss. Behind every loss is a deeply loved child and a family carrying lasting sorrow.
“Two years ago thousands of people joined with me in signing the petition for Baby Loss Certificates. Every name represented love, grief and a determination to bring change. This week that change has finally taken a real step forward.
“The Department of Finance has now confirmed that Northern Ireland will introduce a dedicated Baby Loss Certificate Scheme. This will allow parents who experience a pre-24-week loss to receive an official certificate in memory of their baby. It will be entirely voluntary, but for so many families it will bring acknowledgement, comfort and dignity.
“For the first time, parents here will have access to the same recognition that already exists in England, Scotland and Wales. Until now, there has been no way for early losses to be formally acknowledged, leaving many families feeling invisible in their grief. This new scheme will help change that.
“I want to pay tribute to Diane Forsythe MLA for her work at Stormont and to every parent who bravely shared their story throughout this process. Thank you also to everyone who signed the petition. This progress belongs to you.
“I am glad to see concrete change that will bring comfort to families right across Northern Ireland and ensure they receive the recognition they deserve.”
Newry and Armagh Sinn Féin MLA Liz Kimmins added: “I am delighted that this Bill has now passed. I originally brought this forward to the Assembly as a motion in April 2024, seeking the introduction of baby loss certificates, and it is hugely positive to see our Sinn Féin team successfully drive it through.
“The devastation caused by the loss of a baby often goes untold, with parents and their families left to grieve and come to terms with such heartbreak.
“The passing of this legislation is a positive step forward, allowing bereaved parents to access an official document acknowledging a baby lost during pregnancy before 24 weeks.
“I want to praise the work of ministers Caoimhe Archibald and John O’Dowd in progressing this certificate scheme and supporting parents during an immensely challenging time.
“Alongside this bill, Sinn Féin is working to deliver paid leave for parents who suffer a miscarriage, as well as paid leave for parents during neonatal care.
“We must keep working together to pass more progressive policies and support those struggling in our communities.”
