Registering a Stillbirth
It can be very daunting to have to face registering a stillbirth. Below you will find some information to assist you through the process, but if you would prefer to speak to someone in person, you can contact the Registrar using the details to the right.
Where and when to register a still-birth
Deaths in England or Wales must be registered in the district in which they take place (although this may be arranged through any register office within these countries).
A still-born child 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 signs of life.
Note: A child who breathed or showed other signs of life is considered live-born for registration purposes, irrespective of the number of weeks' duration of the pregnancy.
When a child is stillborn, the doctor or midwife that was present at the birth, or examined the body, will issue a medical certificate of stillbirth. The person who registers the still-birth must take this certificate to the registrar's office within 42 days. A still-birth may not be registered more than 3 months after it occurred.
Who can register a stillbirth
If you are married, either parent can register the baby's stillbirth.
If you are not married, both parents must attend the registration if you would like the father's name to be entered into the register.
Information needed for registration
When you go to see the registrar, you will need to provide the following information:
- The baby's forename(s) and surname (if the parents wish to name the stillborn child), and its sex
- The baby's date of birth
- Where the baby was stillborn
- The baby's parents' forenames, surnames and places of birth
- The mother's address
- The still-born baby's parents' occupations
- The still-born baby's mother's maiden surname
- The number of any previous children
- If applicable, the date of the parent's marriage
A certificate of registration will be issued, free of charge, to the person who registers the stillbirth. This certificate provides proof that the stillbirth has been registered, and any names given to the stillborn child and entered in the register will be recorded on the certificate of registration.
Certificate for burial or cremation
The registrar will issue a certificate for the burial (in a burial ground) or cremation (in a crematorium) of the stillborn child. The certificate is normally then passed to the funeral director who is making the arrangements.
A funeral cannot take place until this certificate is given to the burial authority or the crematorium. If there is a delay to the registration, it is possible for a certificate for the burial (in a burial ground) to be issued before registration, provided the stillbirth does not need to be reported to the coroner. A certificate for cremation cannot be issued before the registration.
More information
- For more information about registering a still-birth, you can contact Hackney Council using the details at the top-right corner of this page.
- You may also find the government information about stillbirth on the Directgov website registration useful.
Page updated: 15 Jun 2010
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