Baby Loss Certificates launch on IoM

Manx Care launches scheme for those who've had miscarriages before 24 weeks

People who've experienced a miscarriage on the Isle of Man, before 24 weeks, can apply for a Baby Loss Certificate from today (29 November).

Manx Care announced plans for the scheme in September after a similar one was launched in England earlier this year.

It's thought around 1 in 4 pregnancies end in miscarriage.

Amy Griffiths has this report:

To make a request for a certificate the following must apply:

• Baby was lost before 24 weeks of pregnancy
• One of the applicants is the baby’s parent or surrogate
• Parent is at least 16 years old
• Parent lived in Isle of Man when they lost their baby

The reason it'll only be available for babies born before 24 weeks is because, up until that point, they're not legally considered to be viable - which means their chances of surviving birth before then is unlikely.

Babies who are lost after 24 weeks are regarded as 'still-births' and their births, by law, should be registered.

While the Baby Loss Certificate isn't a legal document, it is an official recognition of the life that's been lost.

When the application form is available, we'll post a link here.

To mark the launch Dianne Rubery, Manx Care's Bereavement Lead for Women, Children and Families Care Group, has organised a 'Starlight Walk' at the Roundhouse in Braddan tonight from 7pm.

The initiative was started by the SANDs charity - anyone wanting to honour the memory of a lost baby can take part in a 5km lap of the walking track there.

You can find out more here.

SUPPORT

Support is available if you have been affected by anything mentioned in this story:

The Miscarriage Association - Phone: 01924 200799 Email: info@miscarriageassociation.org.uk 

SANDS - Phone: 0808 164 3332 Email: helpline@sands.org.uk

Cruse Bereavement Support Isle of Man - Phone: 01624 668191 Email: info@cruse.org.im

If you want to hear more from the interviews featured, you can listen to this episode of Newscast: