Today, at the sentencing hearing relating to the road traffic collision that caused catastrophic injuries to me and the death of my son, I stood in court not only as a victim, but as a mother whose baby is not recognised in Irish law as a separate victim. I did not just lose a pregnancy. I lost my only son. I lost the chance to hear him call me "Mama," to watch him take his first steps, to see him grow into a young man. His absence will be felt at every milestone in our family’s life.

Through this process, I discovered that there is a gap in Irish law regarding how fatal road collisions involving unborn babies are recognised. That gap compounds the pain of grieving families.

I am acutely aware that many other pregnant women have lost their lives on our roads and their unborn babies were never recognised in law. These women never had the opportunity to advocate for their children. Many of their families have reached out to me in full support, and I carry their stories with me. This is not just about my son, it is about ensuring that no unborn child lost in these circumstances is invisible within our justice system again. It is time our legal system evolves to accurately reflect the profound losses endured by parents like me. 

I propose new legislation, 'Jax’s Law,' to ensure that babies who die as a result of fatal road collisions during pregnancy are recognised within the justice system. This law wouldn’t just serve as recognition for the children lost; it would also provide a sense of closure and justice for grieving families. 

In countries like the United States, the Unborn Victims of Violence Act acknowledges this, recognizing the lives of unborn children lost in violent crimes. It is time for Ireland to take a similar stance. Studies have shown that more than 20% of pregnant women are involved in car accidents. Fatal collisions during pregnancy not only jeopardize the life and health of the mother but also the unborn child.

Jax’s Law would pave the way for better legal protections for pregnant women and their unborn children in road safety law. This is supported in full by PARC road safety group. This legislation could serve as a stern deterrence against reckless driving, emphasizing that the lives of both pregnant women and their children are invaluable.

I urge lawmakers to take immediate action to address this gap in our legal system. Implementing Jax's Law would not only honor the lives of our lost children but also respect the profound emotional impact on families like mine. Please join me in calling upon our government to recognize our unborn children in law as they rightly deserve. Sign this petition and help bring about crucial legislative change. Together, we can ensure our children are never forgotten victims in the eyes of the law.