Those who have lost a baby or pregnancy prior to 24 weeks gestational age will be able to record their loss through a new memorial book and commemorative certificate scheme introduced by the Scottish government this summer.
The scheme is administered by the National Records of Scotland and allows applicants to record their loss in the memorial book and request a commemorative certificate voluntarily. Either the loss must have occurred in Scotland or the applicant must be a resident of Scotland. No medical documentation is necessary.
Ailsa Meldrum, who had an ectopic pregnancy 22 years ago, has been an outspoken supporter of the initiative. She said, “When I heard the news, I was happy for all the families.” I must have the child in the book. That was my first pregnancy, and although I went on to have two more children, which is wonderful, that baby is still missed. For the first time in my life, I feel empowered to discuss it and no longer consider it an invisible loss.”
Lynne McMillan, who lost her son Findlay at 20 weeks gestation in 2013, also applauded the news. She stated, “We had passed the halfway point and begun to plan for the future, so to have that taken away from us was devastating. For so many years, one of my greatest concerns has been that, when I am no longer present, there will be no trace of Findlay’s presence. He was a part of me, and he will always be a part of me; it’s incredible that he has been officially recognised.”
Nicola Welsh, chief executive officer of the Held in our Hearts baby loss charity, added, “It won’t be appropriate for everyone because everyone’s grief is unique, as is the manner in which they acknowledge their grief. But for many families, it will mean that their child is acknowledged. For many, especially if it occurred a long time ago, it has been an invisible loss that they have carried with them and perhaps have not been able to discuss as freely.”
This summer, applications will open for a new baby loss memorial book and commemorative certificate scheme in Scotland, giving recognition and comfort to bereaved parents. The scheme, run by the National Records of Scotland, will allow people who have experienced a baby or pregnancy loss prior to 24 weeks gestational age to apply for a memorial book.
