Rebecca Adlington has expressed approval for the recent lifting of restrictions on baby loss certificates. The Olympic swimmer, who lost her daughter Harper at 20 weeks pregnant in October 2023, mentioned that having the certificate helps to acknowledge her baby as part of the family. This was Adlington’s second miscarriage in two years. She is now an ambassador for the baby loss counselling charity, Petals.
Adlington discussed the change during an appearance on The UK Tonight with Sarah-Jane Mee. She welcomed the new policy, which allows anyone in the UK who has experienced a miscarriage to apply for a baby loss certificate. Previously, this service was limited to losses occurring since September 2018.
Adlington shared that she and her husband Andy Parsons framed their certificate as soon as they received it. She emphasised the importance of the certificate in making Harper feel like part of the family, noting that it helps her children recognise Harper as their sister. Although the certificates do not alleviate the pain of loss, Adlington stressed their significance in integrating the experience into their lives.
‘The messages I had came flooding in and you realise how common it is’
Olympic gold medallist Rebecca Adlington spoke to #BBCBreakfast about her miscarriage, accompanied by Karen Burgess from the baby loss counselling charity Petalshttps://t.co/ZCGk1QR85v pic.twitter.com/5xPAtVJtp1
— BBC Breakfast (@BBCBreakfast) October 7, 2024
She also highlighted the scarcity of tangible items to hold onto after a miscarriage. As the one-year anniversary of her miscarriage approaches, Adlington and her husband plan to consult with their counsellor. She expressed gratitude for the support she received, contrasting it with the experiences of many who lacked adequate support or kept their suffering private.
The rule change coincides with Baby Loss Awareness Week. Parents who have experienced a loss can now obtain a certificate for free through a government website.
What Other Media Are Saying
- Metro.co.uk shares a personal account of late miscarriage, highlighting the brutal reality of medical treatment and the emotional struggle of grieving parents who lose their babies between 12 and 24 weeks.(read more)
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news
Who is Rebecca Adlington?
Rebecca Adlington is an Olympic swimmer and ambassador for the baby loss counselling charity, Petals.
What recent change did Rebecca Adlington support?
Rebecca Adlington supported the recent lifting of restrictions on baby loss certificates in the UK.
How does Adlington feel about the baby loss certificate?
Adlington believes the baby loss certificate helps acknowledge her baby as part of the family.
How can parents obtain a baby loss certificate?
Parents can obtain a baby loss certificate for free through a government website.
What is Baby Loss Awareness Week?
Baby Loss Awareness Week is a time to raise awareness about pregnancy and baby loss and support affected families.