News

Babyloss Awareness Week 2004

Five charities working in the area of pregnancy loss and child loss have joined forces to organise a series of events to mark 'Babyloss Awareness Week' runs from Saturday 9th October to Friday 15th October.

The purpose of the week is to raise awareness of the issues surrounding pregnancy loss and infant death and to highlight the support available for bereaved parents and health professionals. The week will also be used to raise funds for the participating charities.

The The five charities participating in the week are Babyloss, Antenatal Results and Choices (ARC), The Ectopic Pregnancy Trust, The Miscarriage Association, and the Stillbirth and Neonatal Death Society (SANDS).

Remembrance events are due to be held in London and Glasgow with balloon releases in Leeds, Liverpool, Nottingham and Walsall.

There are a number of regional services planned to coincide with the global 'Wave of Light' moment next Friday at 7pm. This is when parents throughout the world light a candle in remembrance of their lost babies.

Charlotte Forder, Chair of the group co-ordinating the Awareness Week said, "The loss of a baby, in infancy or during pregnancy, is a traumatic event. Babyloss Awareness Week 2004 gives parents an opportunity to mark their loss with others across the UK and worldwide.

"It is also an opportunity to raise awareness of issues relating to the death of a baby, such as the important role of professional care and acknowledgement of the loss in helping people going through this experience."

Even with the advances made in medical technology, around 1 in 4 pregnancies end in miscarriage before 24 weeks' gestation, and more than 8,500 babies still die at or around the time of birth each year in the UK.

• If you have been affected by the loss of a baby Chat with others who understand in the babyloss forum