Stillborn birth records definition

All births and deaths must be registered. This includes live births, stillbirths, and fetal deaths.

There are different regulations for reporting these occurrences, depending on the circumstances.

Here you will learn the process for registering these types of birth and how to get the correct documents.

Stillborn and Fetal Death Requirements

A stillbirth must be registered within 6 weeks. Stillbirths must be registered by law.

It is considered a stillbirth when a baby is born after 24 completed weeks of pregnancy and did not present any signs of life.

Fetal deaths that occurred after 16 weeks of pregnancy must also be officially registered.

If the child was born alive at any stage of the pregnancy but died, the baby’s death must be registered within 5 working days. The birth and death can be registered at the same time.

Read more: Miscarriage Certificate

Does a Stillborn Baby Get a Birth Certificate?

A stillborn baby born after 24 weeks of pregnancy can be registered for a stillborn birth certificate. However, a stillborn birth certificate serves as a commemorative paper and is not an official legal document.

To obtain official documentation related to a stillbirth, it is necessary to register for a fetal death certificate instead.

How to Get a Birth Certificate for a Stillborn

There are various ways to get a stillborn birth certificate. The process can vary depending on the state the applicant is in.

It is necessary to check the official procedure for obtaining a stillborn birth certificate in the state you are in.

Who Can Apply for a Stillborn Birth Certificate?

Only the parents named on the application form have permission to apply for a stillborn birth certificate.

Parents must show valid identification, such as a driver’s license or passport, when they apply for the document.

Licensed attorneys also have permission to request a certificate, if it is legally required.

Applying for a stillborn birth certificate in person

It is possible to apply for a stillborn birth certificate in person by going to a government office. Usually, applicants need to present the following:

• Completed application form for a stillborn birth certificate
• Payment for the document

In some offices, cash and card payments are not accepted. Payments may have to be made by check or money order.

Requesting a stillborn birth certificate by mail or online

In some states, it is possible to apply for a stillborn birth certificate by mail.

Applicants must send a completed application for a stillborn birth certificate to the relevant address.

It is not possible to request an original stillbirth certificate online, however it is sometimes possible to request copies.

How much does a stillborn birth certificate cost?

In many cases, the first stillborn birth certificate requested is free. Any copies that are requested after the original have a fee.

The price depends on the state the applicant is in, and how many copies they require.