Family First – BIRTH LAW REFORM: “JAYDEN’S LAW” TO VALUE EARLY STILLBORN

For further information contact: Robert Brokenshire on 0419 815 990 or 08 8237 9122
FAMILY FIRST – The Independent Party
BIRTH LAW REFORM: “JAYDEN’S
LAW” TO VALUE EARLY STILLBORN
Wednesday 11 January 2012
FAMILY FIRST MLC Robert Brokenshire has this morning announced his move on
behalf of a grieving Port Lincoln family to establish “Jayden’s Law”. The law reform
will empower families who have tragically lost a baby to stillbirth inside twenty (20)
weeks to be granted a birth certificate. Birth registration laws nationwide mean the
baby must have survived 20 weeks’ gestation, or weigh over 400 grams, to be worthy
of registration.
Port Lincoln mother Tarlia Bartsch sadly lost her baby on 19 December, one week
short of 20 weeks’ gestation. She contacted Members of Parliament seeking law
reform and Family First had no hesitation in supporting her.
“Tarlia has highlighted this mean-spirited law and Family First has enormous
sympathy for why this law should be changed,” Mr Brokenshire said.
“The child was an infant and the families, on request, should be entitled to a birth
certificate – that is, recognising their child at law.”
“It is nonsense to say a baby is not an infant recognisable by birth certificate at 19
weeks’ gestation but it is at 20 weeks when there is little discernible difference”
At Tarlia’s request, the law will rule out eligibility for the Baby Bonus or similar
entitlements, so the reform can not be criticised as having the wrong motivation.
“This Bill is about closure for families who want it, and Parliament should support
that”, Mr Brokenshire concluded.
Rob Brokenshire will move the laws in the spring sessions of State Parliament in
Adelaide.
MEDIA RELEASE
HON ROBERT BROKENSHIRE MLC
HON ROBERT BROKENSHIRE MLC
FAMILY FIRST
The Independent Party