Kym Marsh 'delighted' as parents can apply for baby loss certificates

Actress Kym Marsh was overcome with emotion on BBC Breakfast today as she opened up about the loss of her son Archie.   

The former Coronation Street star, 48, lost her son in 2009 after he was born just 21 weeks into her pregnancy — but she had no official certificate of his loss. 

Now, along with hundreds and thousands of bereaved parents, Marsh can apply for one as part of an extended Government scheme which launched in February. 

Regardless of how much time has passed, parents who have experienced the loss of a baby in early pregnancy can now have their child's life officially recognised.

Every year in the UK, an estimated 250,000 pregnancies end through a miscarriage before 24 weeks, a loss experienced by about one in five women. 

Speaking on BBC Breakfast today, Marsh said: 'These certificates mean so much — it makes your baby not just a statistic'. 

Marsh celebrates the birthday of her son Archie every year; her family remember him at Christmas and her 13-year-old daughter, born after his death, knows all about her brother. 

'My Archie was here, I gave birth to him, I held him, we had a funeral' the actress added, 'and he mattered — he mattered to all of us.'

Marsh said it was 'absolutely heartbreaking' at the time, to not have anything that recognised her son's existence. But she said the baby loss certificate scheme was a 'huge win' for parents wishing to say goodbye to their lost loved ones. 

'He was our little person and we are so delighted',' Marsh added.

According to the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC), more than 50,000 documents have been issued so far. 

There will now be no time limit on the initiative, with certificates available for any parent who has experienced a loss before 24 weeks, or 28 weeks if the loss occurred before October 1992. 

Health Secretary Wes Streeting said: 'Losing a pregnancy can be deeply distressing – there is so much love and so many dreams for the future wrapped up in a tiny life. 

'That's why it is important for bereaved parents to have the option to officially recognise the existence of their babies and how much they matter.

'I'm pleased we can now ensure all parents are able to apply for these certificates, no matter how long ago they lost their pregnancies.

'This Government will always listen to women and families as we overhaul our health system to ensure everyone gets compassionate, safe and personalised care.'