Register a Still-Birth
A stillbirth should be registered within 42 days.
Sometimes a stillbirth can be registered after 42 days - the register office can explain when this can happen.
Who can register a still birth?
If the baby’s parents are married or in a civil partnership, either the mother or father can register.
The mother can register if:
- the baby’s parents are not married or in a civil partnership
- the father cannot be traced or is unknown
If the father registers the stillbirth and the parents are not married or in a civil partnership, the mother will need to make a ‘signed declaration’ (the register office can explain how to do this).
If both parents want the father’s name in the register and they are not married or in a civil partnership, the register office can tell you what you need to do.
If the child was conceived as a result of fertility treatment
The following people can register the stillbirth:
- The mother
- The father,if he was married to or in a civil partnership with the mother at the time of treatment
- The second female parent, if she was married to or in a civil partnership with the mother at the time of treatment.
If neither parent can register
The following people can register the stillbirth:
- the occupier of the hospital or house where the stillbirth took place
- someone who was present at the stillbirth
- someone who is responsible for the stillborn child
- the person who found the stillborn child, if the date and place of the stillbirth are unknown
