Registering a still birth
A still-born child is legally defined as a child born after the 24th week of pregnancy who did not, at any time after being born, breathe or show any other signs of life.
Where to register?
When a child is still-born, the doctor or midwife who was present at the birth or examined the baby will issue a medical certificate of still-birth. This certificate must be taken to the Register Office in the district in which it took place.
If it is difficult for you to attend the office, the still-birth can be registered by declaration at any register office in England or Wales. The Registrar will then forward the information to the Register Office where the still-birth took place. You will also have the opportunity at the time of registration to purchase a full still- birth certificate. The current fee for this certificate is £11.
If the still-birth occurred in the Sunderland Registration District and you choose to register by declaration with a registrar in another district, they will be unable to issue the relevant documents. We will post these to you once we have received the details. This may cause delays for you in organising the funeral.
Appointments
Sunderland Registration Service operates an appointment system at City Hall. To make an appointment contact Life and family.
Who can register a still-birth?
- Parent
If the parents of the child were married to each other at the time of the still-birth, either the mother, father or parent may register. If the parents of the child were not married to each other at the time of the still-birth, information about the mother of the child will always be entered into the register.
The mother, father or parent attend the register office and sign the register or declaration together.
Either parent can attend the register office with a statutory declaration acknowledging parentage from the other partner.
Others may be qualified in specific circumstances. Consult a Registration Officer for details.
Information needed to register a still-birth
| Date and place of still-birth |
| The forename(s) and surname, if the parents wish to name the child |
| The sex of the baby |
| Father/Parent (where the information is to be included) |
| Forename(s) and surname |
| Date and place of birth |
| Occupation |
| Forename(s) and surname |
| Maiden surname if the mother is, or has been married |
| Date and place of birth |
| Occupation |
| Usual address at the date of the still-birth |
| Date of marriage, if married to the father/Parent of the child |
Request a baby loss certificate
If your pregnancy ends before 24 weeks, you can get a certificate in memory of your baby. This certificate is optional. It's free but you don't need to request one if you prefer not to.
The certificate is not a legal document and is not available from your local register office. To order one please visit www.gov.uk/request-baby-loss-certificate (opens new window)
If your pregnancy ends from 24 weeks onwards, you need to register a stillbirth instead.
Share this page
