Today, 15 October, is Pregnancy and Early Loss Remembrance Day, an international event for pregnancy loss and infant death. From today, parents who lost their baby before 20 weeks’ gestation can now obtain a Commemorative Early Pregnancy Loss Certificate.

ACT Minister for Human Rights Tara Cheyne said the certificates recognised and acknowledged the families’ loss, and hoped they would help parents to grieve.

“Losing a loved and wanted pregnancy can be heartbreaking and traumatic for parents, and for many bereaved families, it is important to recognise that loss,” Ms Cheyne said.

The certificate designs use specially commissioned artworks.

Canberra-based Aboriginal artist Kayannie Denigan developed a design that represents the enduring connection of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children to their families. This design is available in two different colours.

Local Canberra artist Rebecca Tregurtha designed another certificate that depicts native flora including the royal bluebell, the ACT floral emblem.

Western Australian artist Till Heike’s design includes butterflies. Ms Heike lost her own child in early pregnancy. She said the butterflies reflect “the feeling of loving your child even when you cannot hold them, the idea of beauty continuing to reside as memory”.

The early pregnancy loss certificates will be available retrospectively, so any parent who has lost their pregnancy early in the ACT, at any time in the past, can apply for a certificate to honour their child, even if they no longer reside in the ACT.

Bonnie Carter is a mother of three daughters – two of whom died during pregnancy.

“I hope the early pregnancy loss certificates will provide some comfort to families by having their child officially acknowledged,” Ms Carter said.

“Early pregnancy loss is a silent and lonely place for women and their families, so I hope the new certificates will help break that silence and encourage people to talk about these devastating losses.

“On a personal level, I will feel more peace, as all my children will now be recognised through either birth certificates or an early pregnancy loss certificate.”

The certificates are free. Apply online via the Access Canberra website.