Baby loss campaign hails SNP promise
Campaigners calling for better care and support for women suffering miscarriage have welcomed an election pledge to improve services.
The SNP is promising to review a hormone treatment to increase the chances of a successful pregnancy and introduce paid leave for parents experiencing the loss.
A report, published in medical journal The Lancet, suggested giving progesterone to women experiencing bleeding in early pregnancy and with a history of miscarriage could lead to 8,450 babies being saved every year and save the NHS £350 million annually.
Changing Miscarriage Care, a campaign led by former health secretary Shona Robison and SNP candidate Nadia El-nakla, who have both experienced miscarriage, and backed by The Sunday Post and baby loss charity Tommy’s, welcomed the move.
Robison said: “I am really pleased that the asks of our campaign have been listened to by the SNP. Every woman’s needs will be different so having individualised care plans is essential. It is also very positive that the SNP have agreed to include paid leave in the public sector, for families affected by miscarriage or stillbirth.”
El-nakla, who has miscarried five times, added: “It makes me really emotional to think that other women and future generations, including my daughters, will not have to suffer the heartache and physical toll of three losses before being seen by a medical professional.”