Written answers
Wednesday, 22 January 2025
Department of Health
Departmental Strategies
Paul Murphy (Dublin South West, Solidarity)
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1418. To ask the Minister for Health in relation to the lack of official recognition for babies who do not meet the criteria of a stillbirth as set out in the Civil Registration Act 2004, if the Minister is aware that this lack of recognition has significant consequences for affected families, both in terms of emotional and practical support; his views on the introduction of a "Certificate of Life" as per the Civil Registration (Amendment) (Certificate of Life) Bill 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46773/24]
Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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The Civil Registration (Amendment) (Certificate of Life) Bill 2022 seeks to amend the Civil Registration Act, which is the responsibility of the Minister for Social Protection.
I appreciate how important it is to recognise and acknowledge pregnancy loss, and the devastating impact pregnancy loss can have on families. The Civil Registration (Electronic Registration) Act 2024, is expanding access to the stillbirth register, and those who can request a certificate. Changes were made, through the Act, to the criteria for the registration of stillbirths with a reduction of the current weight and gestational age, as well as the changes to include multiple pregnancies. These changes mean that many babies will now be given the acknowledgement, recognition, and validation they deserve.
The Civil Registration (Amendment) (Certificate of Life) Bill 2022 passed Second Stage in Seanad Éireann on 20 October 2022, and is currently at the Third Stage in Seanad Éireann. I am advised that, subsequent to that date, Senator Doherty met with officials from the Department of Social Protection, including from the General Registry Office, in relation to this Bill.
In the context of the further progression of this Bill through the legislative process, my officials will engage as required, from a health policy perspective, with the Department of Social Protection as part of that process.
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