A grief support group has welcomed a move by the WA Government to legally recognise stillborn babies lost before the age of 20 weeks.
Currently for a stillborn baby to be registered by the WA Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages it must have reached 20 weeks, or weigh 400 grams if the duration of the pregnancy cannot be established.
The Attorney-General Michael Mischin has announced that parents who lose a baby before that age can apply for a “recognition of loss” certificate.
He said the registry amendment acknowledged the emotional trauma and devastation early pregnancy loss can bring.
“I hope this new measure will offer a degree of support and comfort to those who have suffered early pregnancy loss,” he said
Mr Mischin said there had been consultation with interstate registries and stakeholders about the process.
Queensland and New South Wales already have the certificate in place.
“Their combined feedback has resulted in the development of a simple application process where parents will only have to obtain the signature of their treating doctor or midwife when they complete an application form,” he said.
The Western Australian branch of Stillbirth and Newborn Death Support (SANDS) has spent the last nine months lobbying for the change.
President Janina Faulkner said the tangible acknowledgment will help the grieving process for families.
“It’s normalises the grief that parents have,” she said.
“A lot of attitudes towards people especially in an early miscarriage is ‘oh well, you didn’t know the baby’ and that mainly comes from people who are ill-informed.
“At 13 weeks a baby is quite formed. It has all its fingers and toes and for a woman who has given birth and actually seen the baby, it’s hard to get across to family and friends, that it actually was a baby.”
Ms Faulkner said because of misconceptions parents tended to hide their grief behind closed doors.
“On days like today, on Mothers Day, they still have that area missing in their life,” she said.
“Where a woman might go on to have three more children but she’s actually had four, so there is a element of sadness today.”
Anyone affected by the death of a baby can contact the SANDS confidential helpline on 1300 072 637.
Support is provided by trained Volunteer Parent Supporters.