Registering a stillborn baby

The stillbirth will normally be registered at the office for the district in which it happened - or another one if it is more convenient. Remember that things take a bit longer if you go to an office out of the district because the registrar will need to forward your information to the original district who will then post any certificates to you.

We understand that it can be very daunting to have to face registering a stillbirth. These pages will give you step-by-step guidance on what is required and what is involved - but if you would rather speak to someone personally, please contact your local register office, in the Royal Borough telephone 01628 796422.

Why is registration necessary?

Stillbirth registration began in 1927 to help protect infant life. As well as being an important source of historical and statistical information, it gives the parents the opportunity to have their child officially acknowledged and to give him or her names if they wish to.

Historic Stillbirth Entries

Due to the sensitive nature of stillbirth registrations, the procedure for ordering copy certificates differs from other types of certificates. Apart from very recent events, the General Register Office holds records of all stillbirths registered in England and Wales since 1st July 1927. Certified copies of these records can only be obtained with the Registrar General's consent. The following conditions apply:

• a certificate will only be issued to the mother or father of a stillborn child;
• siblings may apply if their mother and father are no longer alive. They should send details of their parents' dates of death with their application;
• stillbirth certificates can only be obtained from the General Register Office in Southport.

If you want more information telephone, write to or log on to the General Register Office website.

General Register Office
PO Box 2
Southport
Merseyside PR8 2JD