Charities call for 'recognition of loss' forms following miscarriages

Women in New South Wales, Australia, who have suffered a miscarriage, are now entitled to receive a certificate acknowledging their loss.

The state's registry of birth, deaths and marriages can provide women with the certificate, but it will not be classed as a legal document.

Up until recently it was only women who lose their children after five months of pregnancy who were entitled to this form of recognition.

This recognition of loss is also available to women in the UK, but it depends on the hospital as to whether the mother will receive it.

Commenting on the matter, the National Director of the Miscarriage Association, Ruth Bender Atik, said: "Many women feel that having some form of document, which recognises their baby's brief life, would provide some comfort, even if it had no legal status."

Explaining the reasoning behind the legalities, she goes on to say: "The reason for this is the legal age of viability here in the UK, which is 24 weeks. From this point in pregnancy a baby who is born dead is classed as stillborn, and his or stillbirth must be officially registered."

Acknowledging the sensitive nature of the issue, Ruth says: "But if a baby is born dead before this- even a day, or a week before- this is neither required or even possible. It can cause real distress and anger, and this is the reason why some believe the age of viability should be lower."

Parents who feel they would benefit from a tangible form of recognition following the loss of their child have the backing of charities such as SANDS who, according to Ruth, "recommend that the NHS trusts create and offer some form of certification for those parents who want it."