Families who experience a stillbirth to have broader access to a Stillbirths Register
- Published on: 10 October 2024
- Last updated on: 21 October 2024
- New Register now available to families who wish to have their child’s stillbirth registration made public
- Move follows consultation between Minister Humphreys and parents
- Initiative warmly welcomed by support group Féileacáin
Families who experience a stillbirth will now have greater access to a Stillbirths Register, Minister for Social Protection Heather Humphreys has said.
For the first time, the facility will now allow the child’s entry to be made public in a new Record of Stillbirths.
The introduction of a public Stillbirths Register follows a long-standing campaign by parents and advocacy groups.
The Register will be ‘opt-in’ so as to ensure complete privacy for families and their loved ones who have suffered this awful trauma.
Minister Humphreys has met with families who have experienced a stillbirth and who wish to have their children’s stillbirth registration recognised as part of a Stillbirths Register.
This change has now come into effect following the enactment in the Oireachtas of the Civil Registration (Electronic Registration) Bill 2024.
The Register has gone live this week.
Minister Humphreys today said she wants to thank the families involved for working with her and her Department in introducing these measures.
Minister Humphreys said:
“The need to create a publicly accessible Stillbirths Register was brought to my attention by a number of parents, supported by the organisation Féileacáin.
“The trauma experienced by these families struck me deeply – as did their sense of courage, determination and conviction.
“The parents I met had a clear ask. That was to allow the details of their child to be made publicly available for future generations.
“By establishing a New Record for Stillbirths, we are giving these children and their families the recognition they deserve.
“I’m pleased to say that The Record of Stillbirths is now live.
“It is based on an ‘opt-in approach’ so that we can ensure we respect the privacy and dignity of all families.
“I want to take this opportunity to thank the parents who courageously fought for this important change in our law.
“And I want to finally recognise the work of Féileacáin who my Department and I have worked closely with in recent months.”
The initiative was welcomed by mother of babies Liam and Grace and Spokesperson for Féileacáin Nina Doyle.
Ms Doyle said:
“Féileacáin warmly welcomes the new legislative changes introduced by Minister Humphreys.
“When Féileacáin formed in 2009 one of our aims was the opening of the Stillbirth Register so it is with immense pride that bereaved parents are now being given the opportunity to make their precious baby's record public if they wish to do so.
“We are delighted that these important changes are being introduced as we start Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Week.
“We would like to thank Minister Humphreys for giving us the time and opportunity to share our stories on behalf of all bereaved parents and their beautiful babies.”
Notes
Following the enactment of the Civil Registration (Electronic Registration) Bill 2024 the criteria for a stillborn baby has been reduced from 24 to 23 weeks gestational age or 400 grammes. A new lower criterion has also been set out for instances where the pregnancy has resulted in multiple stillbirths.
These changes have been introduced to reflect advances in clinical care and are based on updated information provided by the Department of Health.
A new voluntary public Record of Stillbirths has also been established and this will allow parents to ensure that the information around the stillbirth of their child can be accessed by any member of the public by contacting the GRO.