Still Births
The loss of a still born child is a very traumatic experience and registering the birth can be a distressing time for parents. It is our intention to make the registration experience as simple as possible and the following information is provided as guidance to the process. In Flintshire, we provide a service to attend the family home if so desired.
A still born child is a child born after the 24th week of pregnancy who did not breathe or show any other signs of life. When a child is still born, the midwife or doctor will issue a medical certificate of still birth which will be used to register the still birth. This gives parents the opportunity to have their child officially acknowledged.
Where and when must I register a birth?
All still births should normally be registered within 42 days with a Registrar in the area where the still birth occurred. If you live in a different area from where the still birth occurred, you can make the registration at any other Registrars' Office in England and Wales by making a 'declaration'. In this case the birth certificate and form for the funeral director will not be issued immediately but sent to you by post, normally within one week.
Who can register a birth?
Either parent of the baby can register provided they were married / civil partners at the time of the still birth. If they were not married/civil partners, both parents will need to attend in order for both parents' details to be included in the birth register and on the birth certificate. If only the mother of the baby can attend, only her details will appear in the register. If the father / parent is not present, their details will not be recorded in the registration. If the parents are unable to attend there are other people who can register the still birth and our staff will be pleased to explain the options.
Information for the register and birth certificate
In addition to the medical certificate issued by the midwife or doctor, you will need to provide the following information:
- The place and date of birth of the baby
- If the parents wish to name the baby, the name and surname
- The sex of the baby
- The names, surnames, place of birth and occupation of the parents
- The mother's maiden name (if applicable).
You will be asked to check the information recorded very carefully and to sign to confirm that it is correct.
It is important that the information recorded is accurate, as the correction of errors discovered after the register has been signed may cause delay, inconvenience and unnecessary distress.
What will I be given?
A certificate that includes any names that were given to the child, the date of the still birth, the name of the parent or parents signing the register and the registration district in which the still birth occurred. A still birth certificate - this is an exact copy of the entry in the register (a statutory fee of £11.00 is required at time of registration). A free certificate for burial or cremation - this is the certificate you need to pass to the funeral director arranging the funeral.
Do I have to pay a fee?
No. The service is free of charge. A statutory fee of £11.00 is required for the full certificate of stillbirth.
The issue of stillbirth certificates is restricted solely to parents of the child.