Tiverton MP backs baby death prevention charity (From This is The West Country)

Tiverton MP backs baby death prevention charity

8:00pm Tuesday 24th January 2012 in Devon

TIVERTON MP Neil Parish has given his backing to a charity dedicated to preventing baby deaths.

Mr Parish joined Sands, the stillbirth and neonatal death charity, for the launch of their new report, 'Preventing Babies’ Deaths: What Needs to be Done' at The House of Commons this week.

Their report suggests that around 1,200 babies' lives could be saved every year through a combination of more research, better care and greater awareness of the risks of stillbirth and newborn baby death.

Neil Parish, pictured at Wednesday’s event with Sands Research Manager Janet Scott, pledged his support for the Sands campaign.

He said: “I was shocked to discover the scale of baby deaths in the UK. 17 babies are stillborn or die shortly after birth every day, with stillbirth being the largest contributor to child deaths under the age of five years.

"These deaths have a devastating impact on parents and their families, and I fully support Sands in their call for urgent action to prevent baby deaths in the future.”