Colm Burke (Cork North-Central, Fine Gael)
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560. To ask the Minister for Health if consideration will be given to establishing a baby loss certificate for early pregnancy loss-miscarriage; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31607/25]

Jennifer Carroll MacNeill (Dún Laoghaire, Fine Gael)
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I recognise the devastating impact that pregnancy loss at any stage can have on women and families as a whole.

This Government is committed to the progressive development of maternity services. There has been significant work undertaken by this Government to improve supports for families experiencing pregnancy loss.

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 and units across the country, to assist and support parents, families and professionals dealing with pregnancy loss.

A number of further maternity reforms are currently being assessed in line with the Programme for Government, including the development of a successor to the National Maternity Strategy.