The First Minister of Scotland Nicola Sturgeon has confirmed that a Memorial Book for those who have experienced a pregnancy or baby loss prior to 24 weeks will be available this summer.

Applications to have an entry included in the book, produced jointly by the Scottish Government and National Records of Scotland, will go live this summer. 

The Baby Loss Awareness Alliance, which is led by Sands, has welcomed the announcement.

"Even the earliest of pregnancy losses can be deeply upsetting and the lack of any formal acknowledgement can add to that distress.  We believe that for many people, the Memorial Book and certificate will provide great comfort and a validation that these tiny lives mattered."

- Ruth Bender Atik, Baby Loss Awareness Alliance member.

Along with an entry in the book, those who have experienced a loss will be able to apply for a commemorative certificate which is intended to give recognition and comfort to those who want to record their loss. The service will be free of charge and completely voluntary.

At present, there is no official recording of loss before 24 weeks, unlike with stillbirths, preterm births, or neonatal death where data is collected and reported on an annual basis by the Office of National Statistics (ONS) in England and Wales, and by National Records of Scotland. 

“The loss of a pregnancy or a baby is always painful. I have spoken in the past about my personal experience of miscarriage, and I know the sense of grief will stay with me and my husband forever. I also know that we would have drawn comfort at the time if there had been a way for us to mark the loss and formally recognise the child we were grieving.

“Launching this Memorial Book with the National Records of Scotland will give parents an opportunity – if they wish it - to commemorate their loss with a physical record, and to have their child recognised.

“I am very proud to support the Memorial Book and hope that it will bring comfort to those experiencing the pain of baby loss. I also hope that might also help break the silence and stigma around the loss of a pregnancy or a baby that sadly still exists in our society."

- First Minister Nicola Sturgeon

At Sands we understand how important it is for those who experience baby loss at any stage in pregnancy to have their baby acknowledged and remembered. We are here to support anyone affected by pregnancy loss or the death of a baby, before, during or shortly after they are born.

The introduction of voluntary pregnancy loss certificates in England was announced in the Women’s Health Strategy in 2022.

You can keep up to date with announcements about the Memorial Book on the Scottish Government website.