Registering a stillbirth

The stillbirth of a baby needs to be formally registered. We appreciate how difficult this can be for parents at a very emotional time.

Your baby needs to be registered within 42 days of the stillbirth in the district where the birth takes place. It is also possible to make a declaration in Enfield for a stillborn baby born somewhere else.

You need to book an appointment to register a stillbirth. Appointments take around 40 minutes and are available Monday to Friday at Enfield Register Office.

You can book an appointment online or call 020 8379 1000.

If the baby’s parents are married, either the mother or father can register the stillbirth. If the baby’s natural parents are not married to each other, both of them must attend the registration.

It is possible for an unmarried mother to attend the stillbirth registration on her own, but if she does the natural father's details cannot be included on the stillbirth certificate.

Regardless of who attends the registration, the mother has the right to choose not to include the father's details on the certificate if the mother and father are not married to each other.

If the mother has a female partner and wishes to record her as the baby’s parent, we recommend both parents attend the appointment. You will need to bring your parenthood agreement, civil partnership certificate or marriage certificate.

To register the stillbirth you need to have a medical certificate. This will be issued by a hospital doctor, GP or midwife. The certificate must be completed in full by the doctor or midwife before the registration can take place and must have their signature and qualification clearly visible on it.

At the registration, the registrar will need to know these details about the baby:

• the date of the stillbirth
• the place of the stillbirth
• if baby was a boy or girl
• the name and surname you would like to give. You do not need to give the baby a name if you do not wish to

The registrar will need to know these details about the baby’s mother:

• full forenames and surname
• date of birth
• place of birth
• occupation
• address
• date of marriage if she was married to the baby's father at the time of the stillbirth
• the number of children she has already

Where the baby’s other parent’s details are to be registered, the registrar will need to know these details about them:

• full forenames and surname
• date of birth
• place of birth
• occupation
• address

Though it is not essential, it would also be helpful if the baby’s parents could bring these documents to the registration:

• passports
• marriage certificate
• Biometric Resident Permit (BRP)
• birth certificates
• evidence of their address or addresses

There is no charge for registering a stillbirth.

The registrar will issue one free ‘Certificate of Registration’. This shows limited information.

A full standard certificate showing all the registration details costs £4 on the day you register. We accept payment by credit or debit card only.

A form will also be given to you in order for the baby’s funeral to take place. This should be given to whoever is making the funeral arrangements on your behalf.

Making a declaration

If your baby was stillborn outside Enfield but it’s easier for you to visit the Enfield Register Office, you can make a declaration.

The registrar will send your declaration to the correct register office for you. This register office will send you the certificates you have asked for by post after they receive the declaration. We cannot give you the baby's stillbirth certificate.

The service is free. Full certificates will cost £4 each. If you want any full standard certificates, bring a chequebook or postal orders when you come to see us. For security reasons, these are the only payment methods we can send with your declaration.

This method of registration can make things easier for you but the process will take a little longer to complete.

If you have any questions about registering a stillbirth, contact us.