Registering stillbirth
A stillborn child is one born after the 24th week of pregnancy who did not show any sign of life at any time after being born.
A stillbirth needs to be registered and this should be done within 42 days. There can be no registration after three months. We understand that this can be upsetting, however, the child receives official acknowledgement and can be given names through the registration.
Normally the mother or father registers the stillbirth. If not married, they need to attend together if the father’s name is to appear in the record. The only document which needs to be produced is the medical certificate of stillbirth issued by the doctor or midwife.
Please contact us using the details opposite, where you will receive sympathetic help.
More information is available from the General Register Office (external link).
Email this pageLast modified by: Mike Godleman on 17/03/2009