Still-birth - registration
Please accept our condolences on your loss. We realise that this is a very difficult time for you. In this section, there is information and guidance aimed at helping you through this painful process.
When and where should the stillbirth be registered?
A stillbirth occurring in Scotland must be registered within 21 days.
It may be registered in any Registration Office in Scotland
Who should register the stillbirth?
A child's father or mother has a duty to register the stillbirth. In the case of the death or incapacity of the father or mother, the following persons can register the birth:
- If the parents are married to each other, any relative of the mother or father with knowledge of the stillbirth.
- The occupier of the premises in which the stillbirth, to the knowledge of the occupier, took place
- Any person present at the stillbirth.
A father who is not married to the mother can only register the stillbirth and be named as the father if:
- He jointly signs the register with the mother
- He and the mother sign declarations that he is the father, or
- A court declares that he is the father and the mother registers the stillbirth.
Naming the baby
You may, if you wish, give a name to the baby at the time of registration.
Documents to be produced when registering the stillbirth
You should take with you:
- The certificate of stillbirth
- The marriage certificate of the child's parents, if appropriate
If no certificate of stillbirth is produced, the registration may proceed after the informant has completed a form of declaration as to stillbirth.
Documents issued by the registrar at the time of registration
When the registration is complete, the Registrar will issue a certificate of Registration of Stillbirth, which should be given to the person in charge of the cemetery or crematorium.
If one of the parents registers the stillbirth and requests it, an extract of the entry in the register.
What if the stillbirth occurs abroad?
You should register the stillbirth according to local regulations in the country concerned and obtain a certificate of the stillbirth. There is no facility available to register the stillbirth with the British Consul in that country.
