Fiona O'Loughlin (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I find it very hard to follow that contribution. I acknowledge Senator Seery Kearney's honesty and bravery in telling us her story. I acknowledge that Stephen's life mattered and welcome his parents, Caroline and Martin. I have no doubt that the death of a baby is one of the most devastating experiences any parent will face and, sadly, many families have such an experience every year. I can totally imagine how families are struggling with that loss.

It is important to acknowledge that October is national pregnancy and infant loss awareness month.I imagine it is a difficult time for families.

I acknowledge the positive intent of this Bill and the work of Senators Doherty and Seery Kearney to make sure it will become a reality. It will support thousands of families around Ireland by ensuring that the loss of their baby, no matter at what stage it happened, is acknowledged and recognised. I also acknowledge that the Bill is designed to provide for a voluntary scheme of registration. It is important that it is voluntary. As any of us deal with loss, bereavement or grief in our families, we all have different ways to deal with it. I have no doubt that this will be important for many, but there may be some who may choose not to go down this road. The loss of a pregnancy that does not meet the criteria for a stillbirth registration has to be painful. I understand that the establishment of such a register would provide some type of comfort to parents bereaved by an early loss in pregnancy.

Yesterday, we had a presentation in the audiovisual room, organised by my colleague, Senator Clifford-Lee. I had the opportunity to go to that and to listen to Professor Keelin O'Donoghue, consultant obstetrician, and Riona Cotter, senior midwifery manager. They are the HSE implementation leads for national standards for bereavement following pregnancy loss. It is important to acknowledge the incredible work that they are doing. Máirie Cregan, the chair and founder of Féileacáin, was also present. Féileacáin does incredible work and helped following the bereavement of a friend of mine who had twins. My mother knits little matinee coats every year for babies who are stillborn. I appreciate that we are not talking about stillbirths now, but I acknowledge the work that Féileacáin does.

I understand that the Minister of State has said that some complex and difficult legal issues will need to be considered and resolved prior to any enactment, but a strong message should go from this House that we expect these issues to be considered and resolved to ensure that this Bill is enacted. We should ask the Department of Health to look at the registration of a loss of life during pregnancy and to consult with the General Register Office about the method by which such a registration would be given effect. That is important.

I understand that miscarriages are not officially recorded in Ireland, but it is shocking to learn that possibly 14,000 early pregnancy miscarriages happen each year. That is one in four pregnancies. The risk of stillbirth is at one in 200 pregnancies, despite many improvements in medical care. These rates have remained nearly constant. That is why the work of Professor O'Donoghue in leading a team of researchers who have been studying these causes and how to better prevent and understand these losses is important. We need to support this work.

That is as much as I can say. I do not want to go into the technical elements because today is about supporting bereaved parents, remembering Stephen and acknowledging the loss of Senator Seery Kearney and many others. I fully support this Bill and look forward to it passing and being implemented to support many families.