Hello
The government has announced a public consultation over a proposal to allow coroners to carry out investigations into the circumstances around stillbirths.
The Ministry of Justice says:
"Whilst we have robust and comprehensive systems for establishing the possible causes of a stillbirth and reviewing the care that had been provided, there is room to further strengthen these processes. Although many parents are satisfied with the results of these reviews, others feel they have not always been listened to, or that they have not had access to all the facts. Still other parents are concerned that the lessons revealed in these reviews are not always put into practice."
"Over the years there have been calls from bereaved parents, charities and others for a more transparent and independent process for determining the causes of, and learning from, stillbirths. It is time we considered this important and sensitive issue in detail."
"Some of those calling for change have identified coronial investigations as the way to deliver an improved process, while the Chief Coroner for England and Wales has repeated his call for proper consideration of the question whether or not to give coroners powers to investigate stillbirths."
You can read more about the consultation, and find a link to a survey for responses, here.
We'd be interested to hear what you think.
Thanks
MNHQ