The original scheme was launched in February but was only available to people living in England whose loss occurred after September 2018.
Since then more than 50,000 certificates have been issued.
As of Wednesday (9 October) the government has extended it to all with no backdate. The move follows the independent Pregnancy Loss Review into improving the care and support available to families when baby loss occurs before 24 weeks’ gestation.
Zoe Clark-Coates MBE, founder and CEO of the Mariposa Trust and co-chair and author of The Pregnancy Loss Review, said the charity had launched the campaign for the certificates nine years ago.
“We have been campaigning with Dame Floella Benjamin in the House of Lords and worked with celebrities, experts and most importantly bereaved families from across the country to make this a reality. Today marks a new day in history, where the estimated 250,000 babies lost each year before 24-weeks gestation, are finally recognised.”
In numerous broadcast interviews this week, many people affected – including Dame Floella – have spoken movingly about the importance of having a physical record of their loss, and to be able to include the certificates in their family history archives.
The NHSBSA administers the Baby Loss Certificate service on behalf of the Department of Health & Social Care.
Xerox UK prints the certificates, which are free, via a secure printing route.
The certificates are A4 format and printed on 135gsm paper with a simulated watermark.
Xerox holds a huge, near-£126m six-year contract for the production of NHS Prescriptions, Cards & Print that includes secure forms, non-secure forms, personalised printed products, NHS Cards, and Health Insurance Cards.
Vicki Robinson, CEO at the Miscarriage Association, commented: “We’ve campaigned hard to see the certificate scheme extended to include losses before 2018, so today marks a significant milestone for those who have waited for this recognition. For many, even the earliest of losses can be deeply distressing, both emotionally and physically, but having a formal acknowledgement as a marker of their loss can be a meaningful part of the grieving process.
“We know from the people that we support how much the certification scheme has helped those who have experienced pregnancy loss, so this is great news that people whose losses were previously not acknowledged now can be.”
Health and Social Care secretary Wes Streeting said it was important for bereaved parents to have the option to officially recognise the existence of their babies and how much they matter.
“I’m pleased we can now ensure all parents are able to apply for these certificates, no matter how long ago they lost their pregnancies. This government will always listen to women and families as we overhaul our health system to ensure everyone gets compassionate, safe and personalised care,” he said.
There is a separate service for people in Scotland, with discussions ongoing about extending the scheme to Wales and Northern Ireland.
Babies born dead after 24 weeks are officially registered as a stillbirth.
