Alliance MLA Kellie Armstrong has called on a scheme to formally recognise pregnancy losses before 24 weeks to be extended locally, in line with England.

The new scheme by the UK Government is part of a women’s health strategy, designed

to put a greater focus on women’s specific health conditions, including fertility and pregnancy loss, and gynaecological conditions such as endometriosis.

The Strangford MLA said a similar scheme would help women across Northern Ireland.

“This will be the first time those experiencing miscarriage, ectopic or molar pregnancies in England will be able to receive an official certificate recording their loss,” she said.

“Providing a certificate to bereaved parents to formally recognise their baby loss is a welcome move and one which is another step towards removing the taboo around miscarriage.

“It is one which could and should be extended to Northern Ireland. The Communities and Health Ministers should review how this scheme is working, with a view to introducing it here. Bereaved parents need to have the opportunity to have a certificate confirming their baby existed. That would go a long way to help parents grieving the loss of their baby who died in pregnancy.”