Warwickshire Direct
Registering a still-birth
We understand that this is a distressing time for you. Please contact us to discuss arrangements for the registration.
Where can a still-birth be registered?
A still-birth must be registered in the district where it occurred within . If this is within Warwickshire you can register at any of the registration offices in the County. If it is difficult to make an appointment at an office within Warwickshire, you may make a declaration at your most convenient office. The details will be sent to the appropriate district and the certificate posted to you. Please telephone us if you require further information.
Who can register a still-birth?
Only the parents can register the still-birth. If you are married, either parent can register. If you are not married and the father's details are to be included in the birth entry then you must attend the appointment together.
Who can register a still-birth if the parents are not able to?
Although the majority of still-births are registered by the parents, sometimes neither the mother or the father are able to do this. In these circumstances, the registrar will arrange for the registration to be completed by whichever of the following people is best able to do so. This includes:
- the occupier of the house or hospital where the child was still-born;
- a person who was present at the still-birth;
- a person who is responsible for the still-born child;
- the person who found the still-born child (where the date and place of the still-birth are unknown).
What information will the registrar ask for?
- date and place of still-birth;
- the forename(s) and surname, if the parents wish to name the still-born child;
- sex of the child.
The registrar will give you:
Certificate of registration
A certificate of registration will be issued, free of charge, to the person who registers the still-birth. This certificate provides proof that the still-birth has been registered. Any names given to the still-born child and entered in the register will be recorded on the certificate of registration.
Still-birth certificate
After a still-birth has been registered, one or more certificates may be bought at the time of registration or at any time afterwards by the mother or the father. (The father's details would need to be recorded in the register entry for him to be able to obtain a certificate).
Certificate for burial or cremation
The registrar will issue a certificate for the burial (in a burial ground) or cremation (in a crematorium) of the still-born child. The certificate is normally passed to the funeral director who is making the arrangements. A funeral cannot take place until this certificate is given to the burial authority or the crematorium.
If there is a delay to the registration, it is possible for a certificate for the burial to be issued before registration provided the still-birth does not need to be reported to the coroner. A certificate for cremation cannot be issued before the registration.
