Séamus McGrath (Cork South-Central, Fianna Fail)
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825. To ask the Minister for Health if she plans to give greater statutory recognition and entitlements to women who experience pregnancy loss. [15804/25]

Jennifer Carroll MacNeill (Dún Laoghaire, Fine Gael)
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I appreciate and acknowledge the devastating impact that pregnancy loss can have on women and families.

Statutory entitlements for women who experience pregnancy loss are covered by the Maternity Protection Acts and the Social Welfare Acts, which are under the remit of the Department of Social Protection.

The Civil Registration (Electronic Registration) Act 2024 has expanded access to the stillbirth register for 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 weight and gestational age thresholds. These changes mean that more babies will now be included on the official register of stillbirths. The Civil Registration Act is the responsibility of the Minister for Social Protection.

The implementation of the National Maternity Strategy, under the remit of my Department, has provided for Bereavement Specialist Teams in all 19 maternity hospitals/units across the country, to assist and support parents, families and professionals dealing with pregnancy loss. The implementation of a number of maternity service reforms within the Programme for Government are currently being assessed, including the development of a successor to the National Maternity Strategy.