No parent should have to face the devastating loss of a child. But for around 2,400 families every year in England and Wales, that is the reality they experience.
I was proud to introduce a Bill in Parliament to make one simple but important change: giving bereaved parents the option to register a stillbirth remotely.
This Bill was inspired by my constituents Cassie and Ryan Claydon from Chadderton, who tragically lost their daughter Matilda at 36 weeks and are campaigning to make this change, and it was an honour to welcome them to Parliament to hear the Bill being presented.
When they shared their experience with me, they explained how having to attend a register office in person added another layer of distress at the worst possible moment of their lives.
For some families, attending in person will be the right choice and that option must remain. But for others, the ability to register a stillbirth from home, surrounded by loved ones, would provide a small but meaningful act of compassion.
Scotland has already shown that remote registration can work, protecting the integrity of the process while giving bereaved families greater choice and flexibility.
Government cannot prevent tragedy. But it can ensure that its own systems are compassionate, understanding and fit for the people they serve.
I am grateful to Cassie and Ryan for sharing their story and for turning their own heartbreaking experience into a campaign for change that could help thousands of families in the future.
For Matilda, and for every family affected by baby loss, we can and must do better.
Jim McMahon OBE MP 