Hexham MP, Guy Opperman has recalled the sad loss of his twins following the Government's announcement that they have introduced new Baby Loss Certificates in England.
Bereaved parents who lose a baby before 24 weeks of pregnancy in England can now receive a certificate in recognition of their loss. The changes will also be applied retrospectively, and will affect parents who have lost a baby since September 2018.
Pregnancy loss or miscarriage is the most common complication of pregnancy and is experienced by an estimated 1 in 5 women in the UK. In 2020, Hexham MP announced that he and his wife's twin baby boys, Teddy and Rafe, were lost shortly after birth.
Mr Opperman and his wife, Flora, have since welcomed baby Kitto into the world, born in July 2022.
A parent who wishes to apply for a Baby Loss Certificate can visit: https://www.gov.uk/request-baby-loss-certificate. Applicants must be at least 16 years old, have been living in England at the time of the loss, and be one of the parents or surrogate.
Commenting on the news, Guy Opperman MP said:
'Since Flora and I sadly lost our twin boys, I have been working closely with baby loss charities such as Sands, and lobbying Ministers in Westminster to change the law.
'I am delighted for bereaved parents up and down the country who will now officially be able to have their devastating loss recognised through a Baby Loss Certificate.
'Although our twins, Teddy and Rafe, lived in this world only briefly, this change means that their lives are always remembered and forever cherished.'
Health and Social Care Secretary Victoria Atkins said:
'Losing a baby can be a hugely traumatic event and the introduction of certificates to formally acknowledge the loss of life is a positive step towards better supporting women and parents affected.
'I’d like to thank charities and campaigners for their continuous work in bringing awareness to baby loss and making the certificates launching possible.
'Improving women’s health care and maternity support is a priority, and this demonstrates progress in delivering our Women’s Health Strategy and ensuring parents feel supported during this heart-breaking experience.'