By Jasmine Beverley, for my son Sunny
I am calling for a change in the law to ensure that babies lost before 24 weeks are given the same dignity, protection, and legal safeguards as those lost after 24 weeks.
My name is Jasmine Beverley, and this campaign is for my son, Sunny.
I lost Sunny at 20 weeks. I arranged a funeral because I wanted him treated with dignity and respect. I trusted that he had been laid to rest. Two years later, I discovered that Sunny had been kept at the funeral home the entire time. There were no charges, no accountability, and no legal protection for him — simply because he was under 24 weeks.
Right now in the UK, the law draws an arbitrary line at 24 weeks. Loss before that point is legally classed as a “miscarriage,” even when the baby is fully formed, named, loved, and mourned. This means:
No mandatory standards for how remains are handled
No legal requirement for documentation or tracking
No accountability if remains are lost, mishandled, or retained
No rights for parents who want their baby treated with dignity
This gap in the law allowed what happened to Sunny to happen. And it will continue to happen to other families unless the law changes.
What I am asking for:
1. Legal recognition of pregnancy loss under 24 weeks  An optional certificate for parents who want their baby formally acknowledged.
2. Mandatory national standards for handling fetal remains  Clear rules for hospitals, funeral homes, and local authorities.
3. Legal accountability  Penalties for failing to follow agreed funeral arrangements or mishandling remains.
4. Transparency and parental rights  Written consent, proper documentation, and confirmation when a baby is laid to rest.
A baby does not suddenly become more deserving of dignity at 24 weeks and one day. Every family deserves respect, compassion, and protection — no matter the gestation.
What happened to Sunny should never happen to another family. Please sign this petition and help me change the law.