Stillbirth - registering
Information about registering a stillbirth in Dorset, including how and where to register.
- Q: Why must I register a still-birth?
- Q: When must I register a still-birth?
- Q: Who can register a still-birth?
- Q: How do I register a still-birth?
- Q: What happens at a still-birth registration appointment?
- Q: What information do I have to supply at the time of registration?
- Q: Will I be given anything at the time of registration?
- Q: How much does it cost?
- Q: What if the still-birth occurred in Scotland or Northern Ireland?
- Q: What is a still-birth?
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Q: Why must I register a still-birth?
A: It is a legal requirement and you will be given the paperwork that allows you to make arrangements for either burial or cremation. It is also a way of officially acknowledging your baby's existence and confirming that you are the baby's parents.
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Q: When must I register a still-birth?
A: Every still-birth in England and Wales must be registered within 42 days (6 weeks) of the birth.
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Q: Who can register a still-birth?
A: This depends on your individual circumstances. If you were married to each other at the time of conception or still-birth then either parent of the baby may register the still-birth.
Read more about Who can register a still-birth?
Up to the questions -
Q: How do I register a still-birth?
A: A still-birth in the County of Dorset may be registered at any of our offices in Dorset. All our offices operate an appointment system. Please phone our Registration Information Centre to make an appointment.
Read more about How do I register a still-birth?
Up to the questions -
Q: What happens at a still-birth registration appointment?
A: You will be seen in private by a Registrar who will record the baby's and parents' details. You will be asked to check the information and sign that it is correct. It is very important that you check the information carefully and ensure that it is accurate as correcting errors after you have signed can cause delays and inconvenience for you.
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Q: What information do I have to supply at the time of registration?
A: You will need to bring the medical certificate of the still-birth issued by the doctor or midwife, unless the still-birth has been referred to the Coroner, in which case the Coroner's office will advise you what to do.
Read more about What information do I have to supply at the time of registration?
Up to the questions -
Q: Will I be given anything at the time of registration?
A: At the time of registering you will be given:
Read more about Will I be given anything at the time of registration?
Up to the questions -
Q: How much does it cost?
A: Registration of a still-birth is free and we do not make any charge for a certificate.
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Q: What if the still-birth occurred in Scotland or Northern Ireland?
A: You cannot register a still-birth or make a still-birth declaration in England and Wales if the still-birth occurred in Scotland or Northern Ireland. You will need to contact the General Register Office for Scotland or Northern Ireland for further advice.
Read more about What if the still-birth occurred in Scotland or Northern Ireland?
Up to the questions -
Q: What is a still-birth?
A: A still-birth is defined as a baby born after the 24th week of pregnancy, which does not breathe or show any other signs of life after birth. A birth which takes place after 24 weeks of pregnancy, where it is known that the foetus died in utero before the 24th week, does not come within this definition and should not be regarded as a still-birth.
