AQW 13190/17-22

Ms Kellie Armstrong
Alliance Party
Strangford

Tabled Date: 22/01/2021
Answered On Date: 02/02/2021
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister of Health whether he will ensure that in instances where a person is having an early pregnancy scan, having a miscarriage or is having a procedure following the death of their baby in the womb, that an exemption is provided for a partner to enable the person to be accompanied and not forced to go through the process alone.

Answer:

My Department published updated visiting guidance for maternity services (available here: https://www.health-ni.gov.uk/Covid-19-visiting-guidance), which took effect from 15 January 2021. The guidance is based on the best scientific advice available, with restrictions applying in line with the current Regional Alert Level Position.

The clear intention is that in any instance of pregnancy loss, arrangements will be made to facilitate the birth partner to accompany the pregnant woman.