Still Birth - Registering
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).
Where and when to register a still-birth
A still-born child is legally defined as a child born after the 24th week of pregnancy who 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 still-born, the doctor or midwife who was present at the birth or examined the body will issue a medical certificate of still-birth. 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 still-birth
If you are married, either parent can go along to Hackney Town Hall and register the baby's birth. If you are not married, both parents must attend the registration if you would like the father's name to be entered in the registration book.
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 still-born child, and sex
- D.O.B. and where the baby was still-born
- The baby's parents' forenames, surnames and places of birth
- Names 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 still-birth. This certificate provides proof that the still-birth has been registered. Any names given to the still-born 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 still-born child. The certificate is normally 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 still-birth does not need to be reported to the coroner. A certificate for cremation cannot be issued before the registration.
Further advice about registering a still-birth in England or Wales may be obtained from the Register Office or from the General Register Office, Room D209, Smedley Hydro, Trafalgar Road, Southport, Merseyside, PR8 2HH.
Telephone: 0151 471 4805 Email: registering.still-births@ons.gov.uk
See also http://www.gro.gov.uk/gro/content/stillbirths/
Page updated: 19 Jan 2008