A COUPLE who campaigned for a change in the law to recognise stillbirth at an earlier stage after their twins died 17 weeks into the pregnancy say they finally have closure after their battle helped prompt a change in law.
Robert and Kylie Osbourn, of Cudworth, were overjoyed when they discovered Kylie was pregnant in March after four years trying to conceive.
The couple were due to begin IVF treatment, but Kylie fell pregnant naturally and discovered they were expecting twin girls.
However, early into the pregnancy, Kylie began experiencing bleeding and was told that the babies were suffering with twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome.
The syndrome occurs when identical twins who share a placenta experience an unequal blood flow, meaning one baby receives more nutrients than the other.
The couple were told at the 17-week scan that the smallest twin was struggling and they were sent to London for an emergency laser ablation - a procedure used to seal off some of the blood vessels in the placenta so that both babies receive a more equal supply of blood.
Following the procedure, Kelly’s waters broke, and the next morning a scan revealed that both babies, named Rosie-Jean and Maisie-Ann Osbourn, had died.
However they were unable to formally register their death as it was classed as a miscarriage.
The couple were shortlisted for a Proud of Barnsley award last year for their hard work and dedication to try and change the law - and it’s finally paid off.
New plans from the government will allow pregnancy losses before 24 weeks to be ‘formally’ recognised.
Under the current laws, parents whose babies are stillborn after 24 weeks of pregnancy are required to register the pregnancy loss, but up until now there has been no formal process for those who lose their baby before that.
The certificate is reportedly intended to provide comfort and support by validating a loss.
Robert, 32, told the Chronicle: “It was hard enough for us without being told the twins wouldn’t be recognised.
“We’ve been battling to get this through - but it’s not just us, there’s so many other people and charities.
“We were amazed when we found out - we never thought it would be put into action.
“It was amazing news that we’re able to back date it.
“We’re hoping to do that but we’re just waiting to for the next steps.”
Robert and Kylie, 34, created a petition to help with their push and even surpassed 2,000 signatures - but that’s not what it was about for them.
“It’s definitely a relief,” he added.
“Kyle and I don’t want to take credit for it all.
“We’ve battled along with them.
“It’s not just for us, it’s for future generations, too.
“It finally feels like closure.”
The change in law has been seen as a ‘welcome step’ by charities, but they’ve warned it is ‘no way a substitute’ for official recording of miscarriage data.
Kate Abrahams, chief executive of Tommy’s - a baby loss charity - said: “It’s vital that we understand the true scale of miscarriage in the UK.
“Without robust data we cannot set meaningful targets for reducing the number of miscarriages or tell if the support being put in place to prevent loss is working.
“Pregnancy loss certificates are an optional process meant to provide vital emotional solace and acknowledgement for grieving parents.
“Although very important, they are in no way a substitute for official recording of miscarriage data by health services.”
The government are yet to announce when the certificates will become available.
