Registering a Stillbirth
When a child is stillborn , a doctor or midwife will issue a Medical Certificate of Stillbirth . The person who registers the stillbirth will need to take this certificate with them to the Register Ofice at the time of their appointment .
A stillbirth is legally defined as a child born after the 24th week of pregnancy that did not , at any time after being born , breathe or show any other sign of life .
Every stillbirth in England and Wales must be registered in the district in which it takes place , within 42 days .
It is primarily the parents ’ responsibility to register the stillbirth . Please be assured that our staf will be sensitive to your needs and do their utmost to minimise distress .
Who can register a stillbirth ?
• The mother
• The father , if he was married to the mother at the time of the stillbirth
• If the parents are not married , the mother and father must attend the appointment together if the father ’ s name is to be included in the Register
• A person present at the stillbirth .
What certificates will be issued ?
A certificate of registration will be issued , free of charge to the person who registers the stillbirth .
After a stillbirth has been registered , full certificates may be purchased at the time of the registration or at any time afterwards by the mother or the father ( the father ’ s details would need to be recorded in the register for him to be able to obtain a certificate ).
Any application for a certificate from someone who is not the mother or father should be sent to the General Register Ofice , Certificate Production , PO Box 2 , Southport PR8 2JD , giving full details of the purpose for which the certificate is required .
Further useful information and support
What the Registrar will ask you
The Registrar will ask you for the Medical Certificate of Stillbirth . You will also be asked for :
• the date and place of stillbirth
• the name that you have chosen for your baby
• the parents ’ full names and any other names they are known by or have been known by ; their date and place of birth
• the occupation and the home address for each parent
• date of marriage , if applicable .
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