KYM Marsh has spoken out after the Government has announced it will extend its baby loss certificate scheme.
This means that parents who have experienced the loss of a baby in early pregnancy will now be able to have their child’s life officially recognised regardless of how much time has passed.
The scheme initially launched in February of this year for those who had experienced a loss since September 2018.
But now there will now be no time limit on the initiative, with certificates available for any parent who has experienced a loss before 24 weeks, or 28 weeks if the loss occurred before October 1992.
Actor Kym Marsh, who is from Warrington, appeared on BBC Breakfast this morning where she revealed she was ‘so delighted’ about the new certificates.
Her son Archie died in 2009 after being born just 21 weeks into her pregnancy. But she had no official government certificate of his loss.
Now Kym can apply for one as part of the expanded programme.
Kym told BBC Breakfast: "These certificates mean so much. It makes your baby not just a statistic.
"He mattered to all of us, and for us to not get anything that recognised he was here was absolutely heartbreaking, because he was a little person and he was our little person."
Talking about the expanded programme, health secretary Wes Streeting said: “Losing a pregnancy can be deeply distressing – there is so much love and so many dreams for the future wrapped up in a tiny life.
“That’s why it is important for bereaved parents to have the option to officially recognise the existence of their babies and how much they matter.
“I’m pleased we can now ensure all parents are able to apply for these certificates, no matter how long ago they lost their pregnancies.
“This Government will always listen to women and families as we overhaul our health system to ensure everyone gets compassionate, safe and personalised care.”
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