A recent survey by Red Nose unveiled that 45% of bereaved parents believe healthcare workers should offer more appropriate support following pregnancy loss.
The survey also revealed unhelpful actions experienced by bereaved parents from healthcare professionals ranging from:
- not acknowledging the loss,
- not asking if the parents wanted to give the baby a name,
- sending letters and reminders about pregnancy milestones when they were no longer needed,
- a doctor who was not familiar with a pregnant parent’s circumstances and advised to terminate the pregnancy without any definite answers.
On the eve of Say Their Name Day, the findings highlight a critical gap in the emotional and psychological care offered to families during one of the most challenging times in their lives.
Red Nose Director of Bereavement Services, Rachel Ficinus acknowledges that pregnancy loss is heartbreaking for many families and encourages communities around Australia to help support bereaved parents.
“Last year, we surveyed over 250 bereaved parents where all families surveyed felt their loss acutely and want to have their child acknowledged,” Rachel said.
“Sadly, 20% also indicated that friends and family do not acknowledge their baby or child’s existence. Parents stated that they would feel less alone if family and friends used and remembered their baby’s name.
“Say Their Name Day is a day where Australia says goodbye to the silence that sadly all too often follows the devastation of a pregnancy loss, stillbirth, or the death of a baby or child. Saying a baby or child’s name after they have died, is a powerful act of kindness and acknowledgement that requires no special skills or experience,” Rachel said.
On Tuesday 25 March 2025, parents, families and communities around Australia will publicly say the names of their much loved and missed babies and children as part of Red Nose’s Say Their Name Day campaign.
Every year in Australia, it’s estimated that around 100,000 families go through the trauma of miscarriage and 3,000 more endure the heartbreaking loss of a baby through stillbirth or sudden infant death.
Quotes from parents:
“We have always been afraid that people will forget about our son as the months and years pass. It’s so important to talk about Aish and say his name. Just because he isn’t here, doesn’t mean he shouldn’t be spoken about.”
- Chris and Caitlyn Thompson, Langwarrin VIC, father and mother to Aish (passed away in the NICU, September 2021).
To learn more about Say Their Name Day, or to make a donation visit: saytheirnameday.org.au.
For spokespeople and family interviews, please contact media: Maria Salvador at mariasalvador@rednose.org.au or call 0402 941 493.