The book was launched by First Minister Humza Yousaf during a visit to the baby loss charity, Held In Our Hearts.
Produced jointly by the Scottish Government and National Records of Scotland, it will give parents an opportunity – if they wish – to commemorate their loss with a physical record.
The book was developed after listening to people who have experienced a pregnancy or baby loss prior to 24 weeks of pregnancy and is a free and entirely optional service.
Prior to the launch of this book there was no way for these pre-24 week pregnancy or baby losses to be recognised and acknowledged, whereas all other baby losses 24 weeks and above are already recognised and recorded by other formal registration processes.
National Records of Scotland will hold the Memorial Book, process applications and issue certificates. Applications can be made by going to the NRS website and downloading and printing the application form, or by requesting that NRS send an application form out in the post.
Mr Dey said: “The loss of a baby, however early in a pregnancy, is devastating for expectant parents. It is welcome that those affected will now have an official way to recognise their lost child. I hope that the Memorial Book goes some way in supporting people through this experience.”
