AQW 30352/22-27


Ms Paula Bradshaw
Alliance Party
South Belfast


Tabled Date: 04/09/2025
Answered On Date: 19/09/2025
Priority Written: No


Question:
To ask the Minister of Health to detail the specialist psychological support pathways currently available in each Health and Social Care Trust for parents who experience pregnancy or baby loss.


Answer:
The Department of Health recognises the profound emotional impact that pregnancy or the loss baby can have on individuals and families. Each of the five Health and Social Care Trusts provides a range of support services, which may include:
- Bereavement Midwives: Specially trained midwives are available in many Trusts to provide compassionate, one-to-one support following miscarriage or baby loss.
- Counselling Services: Trusts offer access to psychological therapies, either directly or through referral, to support individuals experiencing grief, trauma, or mental health challenges following pregnancy loss.
- Referral Pathways: Health professionals can refer patients to external organisations such as the Miscarriage Association, SANDS, and Cruse Bereavement Support, which offer specialised resources and peer support.
- Early Pregnancy Units (EPUs): These units often serve as the first point of contact for women experiencing miscarriage and can provide immediate emotional support and follow-up care.
- Information and Signposting: Trusts provide written and digital resources to help individuals understand their options and access further support.
In addition, my Department is actively supporting the development of a Baby Loss Certificate Scheme for Northern Ireland. This initiative, currently under public consultation, aims to offer formal recognition of pregnancy loss before 24 weeks’ gestation, acknowledging the emotional significance of such losses.
Furthermore, my Department is progressing with the establishment of a Maternity and Neonatal Partnership, which will oversee the implementation of a regional action plan to improve maternity care, including bereavement support. This work is informed by the recent independent review of midwifery services and reflects our commitment to ensuring that all women and families receive safe, respectful, and compassionate care.
We remain committed to listening to those with lived experience and to ensuring that support services are accessible, equitable, and responsive to the needs of all who experience pregnancy loss.