Dolan welcomes passing of Deaths, Still-Births and Baby Loss Bill Second Stage
8 April 2025
Sinn Féin MLA Jemma Dolan has welcomed progress on the Deaths, Still-Births and Baby Loss Bill in the Assembly.
The Second Stage was passed on Monday, and the proposed legislation will now move to Committee Stage.
The bill aims to make the temporary relaxations for registering a death or still-birth — first introduced during the pandemic —permanent, and also create a Baby Loss Certification Scheme.
“First introduced during Covid-19, the electronic transfer of documents is now considered the normal registration process, and making this permanent is a positive move,” said the Fermanagh and South Tyrone MLA.
“This will also be welcomed by the public and funeral directors who have become accustomed to this process.”
Ms Dolan also hailed the introduction of a Baby Loss Certificate Scheme which will give families the opportunity to have formal recognition of a baby lost prior to 24 weeks.
“Losing a baby during pregnancy is heart-breaking. Acknowledging that can be hugely important for families and sends a clear message to parents that their love and grief is real, and they’re not alone.
“This is not merely a bureaucratic change; it is a compassionate acknowledgment of the profound loss experienced by parents.
“An important pillar of this legislation will also ensure equality for registering births and still-births for same-sex female couples, meaning these parents can register in the same manner as heterosexual parents,” added Jemma Dolan.
