Over the past week we have been marking the annual Baby Loss Awareness Week. Baby loss is an issue I hold extremely close to my own heart. It is exactly why, when I was first elected as a Member of Parliament, I helped set up the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Baby Loss with colleagues who had all shared deeply personal experiences. We have had some productive debates on the issue since then and have made some real progress, from the introduction of statutory Parental Bereavement Leave to working on a National Bereavement Care Pathway. There is still so much more to do.
For all those who are grieving a loss, know that you are not alone. Baby loss affects so many, including partners, other family members and friends. The coronavirus pandemic will not have made it any easier. This evening, at 7pm, I will be taking part in the global Wave of Light as Baby Loss Awareness Week comes to a close. I hope others will feel able to join by lighting to remember all those babies who have touched our lives however briefly #BLAW2020 #YouAreNotAlone.
You can find some of my speeches over the past few years on this important issue here.
