How to register a Stillbirth

Registering a stillbirth in Nottingham

Stillbirth registration was introduced on 1 July 1927 to help protect infant life, provide a valuable source of statistical information and to give parents the opportunity to have their child officially acknowledged.

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 stillborn the midwife or doctor will issue a medical certificate of stillbirth which will be used to register the stillbirth.

Where and when to register a stillbirth

Where: You can register a stillbirth that has occurred within the city boundaries at the Nottingham Register Office at the Council House.

When: A stillbirth normally needs to be registered within 42 days, and at the latest within three months. You can book an appointment by telephone on 0115 841 5554

Who can register the stillbirth?
If the parents are married to each other, either parent can register the stillbirth. If the parents are not married to each other, then:

• If you want the father's details to be included in the register, both parents can go and sign the stillbirth register together
• If the father is unable to go to the registry office, but you still want his details included, he will need to make a statutory declaration acknowledging his paternity - you will need to give this to the registrar
• If the mother is unable to go to the registry office with the father, she may make a statutory declaration acknowledging the father's paternity - you will need to give this to the registrar

You can add the father's details at a later date by re-registering the stillbirth.

If neither the mother nor father are able to attend, the following people can register:

• 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

Documents and information you will need

Documents

Your doctor or hospital will send the medical certificate of the cause of still birth(signed by a doctor or midwife) to the registration service electronically, and we will contact you to make an appointment to complete the registration face to face at The Council House.

Once the registration has been completed you will be asked to sign the entry. It is important that the information recorded is as accurate as possible as the correction of errors discovered after the register has been signed may cause delay and inconvenience.

Documents you will receive

A certificate of registration, this provides proof that the stillbirth has been registered.

The certificate includes any names that were given to the child, the date of the stillbirth and the registration district in which the stillbirth occurred.

Certificate for burial or cremation, this is the certificate you need to pass to the funeral director arranging the funeral.

A stillbirth certificate can also be purchased at the time of registration at a cost of £12.50 each. This is an exact copy of the entry in the register.(please pay on arrival at the Council House reception).

Burial on a Saturday, Sunday or Bank Holiday

When religion requires a burial within England or Wales and within 24 hours of death, a registrar will be available to issue the necessary forms on Saturdays, Sundays and most Bank Holidays (except 25th December and 1st January and Easter Sunday) between the hours of 10 and 12. They can be contacted by telephoning 07899 060396

Useful Links

Support for bereaved parents whose child was stillborn is available from the following organisations:

• SANDS - Stillbirth and Neonatal Death Society
• National - Child Death Helpline