Isle of Man to introduce baby loss certificates

A similar scheme was introduced in England in February

Bereaved parents who lose a baby within the first 24 weeks of pregnancy on the Isle of Man will soon be able to apply for a certificate to recognise their loss.

Health Minister Lawrie Hooper has confirmed the island's maternity services have been working on a way for people to request the document online from November.

It follows the introduction of a similar scheme in England and will be made available to parents who have experienced baby loss since September 2018.

Sarah Maltby MHK, who has campaigned for the service, said she hoped it would bring some "comfort and closure on that very difficult period" for parents.

"It might only be a bit of paper, but for a family who have been through such a loss it's really significant," she said.

Applicants must be at least 16 years old, have been living on the island at the time of the loss and be one of the baby's parents or a surrogate.

'Healing'

Responding to a Tynwald question for written answer, Mr Hooper confirmed Manx Care was working closely with the General Registries and Government Communication Service to devise the baby loss certificate service.

"A considerate amount of effort is going into the design of the certificate as we recognise the emotional weight it carries for grieving parents," he said.

"Rigorous testing of the pathway is due to take place over the next couple of weeks to ensure the process is delivered with care," he added.

Families that have lost more than one pregnancy will be able to request a separate certificate.

Ms Maltby said it was "such a sad thing to talk about" and was "not the outcome that any family think they’re going have at the end of a pregnancy".

"To have this opportunity to commemorate and memorialise, and recognise that their baby did exist, is just so important to help with their healing," she said.