Still births

Still birth registration was introduced on 1 July 1927 to help protect infant life, provide a valuable source of statistical information and to give parents the opportunity to have their child officially acknowledged.

A still born child is a child born after the 24th week of pregnancy who did not breathe or show any other signs of life.

When a child is still born the midwife or doctor will issue a medical certificate of still birth which will be used to register the still birth.

Where and when must I register a birth?

All still births should normally be registered within 42 days and must be registered within 3 months with a Registrar in the area where the still birth occurred.

Please note: Still births that occured at Darent Valley Hospital may now be registered either by The Kent Registration Service or Bexley Register Office. For an appointment at Bexley Register Office please call 0300 333 5430.

If you live outside of Kent but the still birth occurred in Kent, you can make the registration at any other Registrars' Office in England and Wales, by making a declaration.

In this case the birth certificate and form for the funeral director will not be issued immediately but sent to you by post, normally within 1 week.

Please note that the Medway Towns (Chatham, Gillingham, Rochester, Strood) are not part of Kent and have their own separate registration service, please check with Medway Council.

Appointments

To make an appointment to register a still birth in Kent or Bexley please call 0300 333 5430. Appointments are available at any suitable location including the home address of the parent or parents.

Who can register a birth?

Either parent of the baby can register provided they were married to each other at the time of the still birth.

If they were not married, only the mother of the baby can register. If the father's details are to be recorded both parents usually need to be present.

If the parents are unable to attend there are other people who can register the still birth and our staff will be pleased to explain the options.

Information for the register and birth certificate

In addition to the medical certificate issued by the midwife or doctor, you will need to provide the following information:

The place and date of birth of the baby.
If the parents wish to name the baby, the name and surname.
The sex of the baby.
The names, surnames, places of birth and occupations of the parents.
The mother's maiden name (if applicable).

What happens when I talk to the Registrar?

The Registrar will see you in private and record the baby and parents' details.

You will be asked to check the information recorded very carefully and to signify that it is correct.

It is important that the information recorded is accurate, as the correction of errors discovered after the register has been signed may cause delay and inconvenience.

What will I be given?

A certificate of registration - this provides proof that the still birth has been registered.

The certificate includes any names that were given to the child, the date of the still birth and the registration district in which the still birth occurred.

A still birth certificate - this is an exact copy of the entry in the register.

Certificate for burial or cremation - this is the certificate you need to pass to the funeral director arranging the funeral.