Cork's Senator Nicole Ryan publishes policy document on pregnancy loss

Cork Sinn Féin senator Nicole Ryan has published a policy document on pregnancy loss which aims to provide a way forward for compassionate and patient-focused care.

The launch of the document coincides with the second stage debate of Ms Ryan’s legislation, the Pregnancy Loss (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2025, in the Seanad.

The bill, which aims to provide support for parents experiencing pregnancy loss, includes provisions for parents to obtain a baby loss certificate after a miscarriage and establishes a confidential, opt-in register of pregnancy loss for research purposes. The bill also addresses paid leave for employees affected by pregnancy loss.

Speaking at Leinster House, Ms Ryan described how she felt it was important to develop a policy document around pregnancy loss.

“Acknowledging pregnancy loss is about much more than the practical things like statutory leave, it requires a response by the health service, the workplace and society as a whole,” Ms Ryan said. 

“This is a crucial aspect of our policy that both clinical stakeholders, advocacy groups and women themselves are all in agreement on. In terms of the health services, we can see from the Pregnancy Loss Research Group’s work that in those hospitals where the care works, it works well.”

Ms Ryan added that what the government must focus on now is standardising the access to care and holistic services, to support women through the medical and emotional toll of pregnancy loss on them and their families.

“This must be done in conjunction with the National Women and Infants Health Programme. It is vital that this includes education around miscarriage-specific symptoms and improved care pathways for gynaecological investigations and care.

“Since I spoke about my own loss, many women and families have reached out to me about what they experienced. 

"A common thread was how important acknowledgement of our pregnancy was to us,” Ms Ryan said.

“When a pregnancy ends in a loss before 23 weeks, that acknowledgement simply isn’t there. I wanted to correct that. The Pregnancy Loss bill, alongside this targeted policy hopefully goes some way to shaping issues like this.

“Most importantly, it continues a conversation that for too long has been shrouded in shame and secrecy. This policy provides a way to say we see you, we acknowledge your loss, and your trauma will be dealt with in a compassionate way.”