Call for action over stillbirth rates

Parents should never have to bury a baby without knowing or understanding why they died, the Commons has heard.

SNP MP Patricia Gibson (North Ayrshire and Arran) said the UK’S stillbirth rate remained “unacceptably” and “stubbornly high” despite falling slightly in recent years.

She said she had asked for coroner inquests in England and fatal accident inquiries in Scotland to be instigated when stillbirths at full term involve an otherwise healthy baby.

Ms Gibson, whose baby was stillborn in 2009, said she appreciated such processes were expensive, complicated and difficult, but the lessons which could be learned would improve the care for future babies.

Speaking in a Commons debate, Ms Gibson said Scottish health secretary Shona Robison had agreed to investigate the possibility of her idea.

She told MPS: “The significance of this development cannot be overstated.

“If after consideration the Crown Office in Scotland decides for whatever reason this cannot be done, then at least we know where we are, what obstacles we’re dealing with and we can set about removing them.

“And I am convinced this measure will mean fewer of our babies die.

“When that is shown to be the case, I’m hugely optimistic a similar measure will be adopted in England.”

Ms Gibson said 15 October would have been her “wee boy’s eighth birthday” as well as Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day.