10,000 signatures reached
To: The incumbent UK government.
Recognise Pregnancy and Infant loss in the UK
Make October the 15th the official day recognising pregnancy and infant loss in the UK.
Why is this important?
According to the child loss charity, SANDS one in every 216 babies delivered in the UK in 2013 were stillborn (that is, the baby died during pregnancy and birth any time from 24 weeks of pregnancy onwards).
In the same year, one in every 370 babies born died in the first four weeks of life. One-third of stillborn babies that's round 1,200 babies every year-die after a full term pregnancy (37 or more weeks).
According to the office of national statistics, there were 3284 stillbirths in England and wales in 2013 ( a fall of 7.7%)
Also in 2013 there were 249 unexplained infant deaths in England and Wales a rate of 0.36 deaths per 1,000 live births.
In 2012, there were 523 deaths in the age range of 1-4 years (Why children die. May 2014. Wolfe, Mcfarlen et al)
Whilst these statistics may be alarming it is important to poin out that the number of deaths in pregnancy and infancy had decreased from 2012.
Through making National Awareness within the UK, this will help in the recognition of loss during a parent's pain.
This remembrance day can play a small part in enabling families to find a way of grieving and in time help each other throughout the UK-remove the stigma of not being able to talk about it.
Most importantly having a pregnancy and infant loss awareness day recognised it will raise awareness of some of the issues surrounding childloss, the need for better maternity care, the need to improve bereavement services for grieving parents, better understanding and support from employers, and prevention; to name a few.
Contrary to popular belief it is only a national day in the USA, Canada, Australia and recognised in Italy as Piccolo Angeli.
In the UK, it is observed and acknowledged by various charities and non profit organisations.
Please show your support by signing the petition
Angel Parents UK.
