Councillor Julie Flaherty has welcomed the ABC Council’s draft response to a Department for Communities (DfC) public consultation document seeking views on plans for the introduction of a Baby Loss Certificate Scheme.
Although symbolic in nature, baby loss certificates are viewed by ABC Council officers as a meaningful way to acknowledge parents’ grief.
They wrote in their draft response: “The introduction of a Baby Loss Certificate Scheme for early pregnancy losses will be an important means of acknowledging loss and providing an opportunity to have it recorded.
“It is anticipated the certificate will be free of charge and will run through the General Register Office, rather than District Register Offices.
“The production of a commemorative certificate, whilst having no legal standing, will serve as a means of recognising loss, and will bring Northern Ireland into line with successful schemes currently operating in England and Scotland.”
Acknowledging the grief of parents who have lost a young child is something that means a lot to Cllr Flaherty, as she and her husband Wayne tragically lost their son Jake on May 21, 2013, just two days after his second birthday.
The Portadown representative made history in 2018, when she successfully pushed for the ABC Council to become the first-ever NI local authority to waive burial fees, in the case of deceased children under 18 years of age.
Where the scheme has been introduced, parents no longer have to meet the costs of burials and cremations. Cllr Flaherty’s campaign had such resonance that it earned her a BEM in 2023.
Speaking at Monday night’s (July 28) ABC Council meeting, the UUP representative stated: “Regarding the Baby Loss Certificates, I have mentioned that a couple of times in this chamber over the last number of years.
“It was talked about whenever I started to talk about the Children’s Funeral Fund all those years ago. The consultation does close in September and I have already responded, like many parents who have lost children.
“I do implore anyone out there, the chance is there for you to put your views in.
“[Contained within] the consultation [document] are also some links for any sort of help or support that any bereaved parent may feel that they need, so I did want to highlight that. I’m happy to propose the draft recommendation there as well.”
Cllr Flaherty’s proposal was seconded by Cllr Peter Lavery (Alliance, Lurgan DEA).
To access the consultation document on the Baby Loss Certificate Scheme, visit www.finance-ni.gov.uk/consultations/baby-loss-certificate-scheme
The consultation will close on September 12.
