Still-births
Why register a still-birth?
Many parents see this as an opportunity to have a formal record of their child’s still-birth.
When may a still-birth be registered?
A still-birth may be registered within 3 months of the date of the still-birth.
What do you need in order to register a still-birth?
A certificate signed by a registered medical practitioner or registered midwife who was present at the still-birth or has examined the body of the still-born child.
Where can a still-birth be registered?
With the District Registrar:-
- in the district where the still-birth took place or
- in the district in which the mother normally lives.
Find my local District Registration Office
Who can register a still-birth?
The principal informant would be the mother or father of the still-born child (if they are a married couple). However, in the case where the parents are not married to each other, the name of the father may only be recorded in the entry of still-birth if both parents attend and sign the registration together or a declaration of paternity is produced.
The following people may also register the still-birth:
- The Grandmother, Grandfather, Uncle or Aunt of the still-born child,
- Any person present at the still-birth,
- Any person having charge of the still-born child,
- The occupier of the premises where the still-birth took place.
What details are required to register a still-birth?
- Full name of the still-born child,
- Sex and date of the still-birth,
- District and place of still-birth,
- Full names and dates of birth of the parents, and full addresses and occupations of the parents.
What will the Registrar give you?
Once the registration is completed, the Registrar will issue a still-birth certificate.
Certified copies of still-birth Certificate?
The registration of still-births has taken place in Northern Ireland since 1 January 1961.
Due to the sensitive nature of still-birth registrations, the procedure for ordering a certificate of the entry differs from other types of certificate. The mother or father (if named on the certificate) can apply for a certified copy of the certificate. The statutory cost of a certificate is £12.00, or where two or more copies of the same entry are applied for at the same time the first copy will be charged at £12.00 and any additional copies at £6.00 each. In cases where the parents are deceased or unable to make an application, another family member can apply, providing their reason for application. The application will be considered and a decision made on a case-by-case basis.
To perform a search of the registers the fee is £6.00 for each five year period or part of it. The results of the search will be sent to the applicant. A certificate can be issued when an additional £6.00 fee is paid.
Where to obtain certified copies of still-birth Certificates?
Application forms may be obtained from:-
General Register Office
Oxford House
49-55 Chichester Street
Belfast
BT1 4HL
Telephone: 028 90 252000