A stillbirth should be registered at a register office within 42 days.
Sometimes a stillbirth can be registered after 42 days - the register office can explain when this can happen. You can name the baby in the register.
You can search for a register office here... (Opens new window)
Who can register the stillbirth
If the baby’s parents are married, either the mother or father can register.
The mother can sign if:
- the baby’s parents aren’t married
- the father can’t be traced or is unknown
If both parents want the father’s name in the register:
- both parents can sign the register together
- the mother can sign and bring a ‘signed declaration’ from the father (the register office can explain how to do this).
If the father registers the stillbirth and the parents aren’t married, the mother will need to make a ‘signed declaration’ (the register office can explain how to do this).
If the child was conceived as a result of fertility treatment
Either of the following can register the stillbirth:
- the mother
- the father, if he was married to the mother at the time of treatment
- the second female parent if she was in a civil partnership with the mother at the time of treatment
If neither parent can attend
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
What you need to take
You need the medical certificate of stillbirth issued by the doctor or midwife.
Financial support and taking time off work
Following a stillbirth, you’re normally entitled to:
- Statutory Maternity Pay - if you’re employed
- Maternity Allowance - if you’re not entitled to Statutory Maternity Pay
- Sure Start Maternity Grant - if you’re on a low income or out of work
- Maternity Leave - if you’re employed
- Statutory Paternity Pay - if you’re employed
- Paternity Leave - if you’re employed
You won’t be able to claim Child Benefit.
Support organisations
The following organisations give support and advice:
