This is a groundbreaking research project on the island of Ireland, being undertaken by Suzanne Heaney, QUB School of Nursing and Midwifery PhD Candidate, supervised by Dr Áine Aventin (QUB Vice-Chancellor's Fellow) and Professor Mark Tomlinson (QUB & Stellenbosch University, South Africa). This study will explore the healthcare needs and experiences of parents who chose a termination of pregnancy following a diagnosis of a congenital fetal anomaly. In terms of baby loss, this group of parents often describe themselves as ‘the taboo within the taboo’. This study aims to give them a voice and make recommendations based on their stories for further research, intervention development, clinical practice and policy reform. An advisory group involving people with personal and professional experience are actively involved in this research study and are helping advise and guide all aspects of the process. The study is named, The Bluebell Study as its meaning has affiliations with ‘everlasting love’.

A short animation recruitment video has been developed in collaboration with the study advisory group.

The Bluebell Study Recruitment Advert