Register a stillbirth
A stillbirth should be registered 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.
Contact a register office to register the stillbirth.
In Scotland you must register a stillbirth within 21 days. In Northern Ireland you have up to 1 year to register a stillbirth.
Who can register the stillbirth
If the baby’s parents are married or in a civil partnership, either the mother or father can register.
The mother can register if:
- the baby’s parents are not married or in a civil partnership
- the father cannot be traced or is unknown
If the father registers the stillbirth and the parents are not married or in a civil partnership, the mother will need to make a ‘signed declaration’ (the register office can explain how to do this).
If both parents want the father’s name in the register and they are not married or in a civil partnership, the register office can tell you what you need to do.
If the child was conceived as a result of fertility treatment
The following people can register the stillbirth:
- the mother
- the father, if he was married to or in a civil partnership with the mother at the time of treatment
- the second female parent, if she was married to or in a civil partnership with the mother at the time of treatment
If neither parent can register
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 documents you need
The register office will tell you what documents you need.
You can arrange a funeral for your baby.
Financial support and taking time off work
Following a stillbirth, you’re normally entitled to:
- Maternity pay and leave - if you’re employed
- Maternity Allowance - if you’re not entitled to Statutory Maternity Pay
- Paternity pay and leave - if you’re employed
- Parental bereavement pay and leave - if you’re employed
You may be asked for evidence to get financial support depending on what you’re claiming. For example, this can be the notification for the registration of a stillbirth from the attending doctor or midwife, or a certificate of stillbirth from the registrar.
You will not be able to claim Child Benefit.
Support organisations
The following organisations give support and advice: