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Closed petition PE2046: Provide birth certificates for stillborn babies
Calling on the Scottish Parliament to urge the Scottish Government to enable a birth certificate to be issued in respect of any baby stillborn after 20 weeks of pregnancy.
Previous action taken
Contacted my local MSP Clare Haughey but had no response.
Background information
I was 34 weeks pregnant when I thought I was going to hospital in early labour but it turned out to be the worst day of my life. My placenta ruptured which made me lose my darling angel baby, Harper Ann Mary Carruthers, who was born sleeping on 21/06/2023 at 18.33 weighing 4lb. I had a very healthy pregnancy and Harper had a mummy, daddy, two sisters and a brother who couldn’t wait to meet her and love her. Placental abruption isn’t something you’re told about and you’re not made aware of the signs indicating an abruption.
I also wasn’t aware that any babies born sleeping who do not take a breath aren’t entitled to a birth certificate. “Angel mothers” should be entitled to a birth certificate and death certificate at the same time. After all, they were still our kids and human little babies. I would like to see a law change and for it to be called Harper’s Law. I would like this to apply in cases where the pregnancy lasted for at least 20 weeks.
This petition was considered by the Scottish Parliament
545 signatures