Register a stillbirth
When a baby is stillborn, a doctor or midwife who was present at the birth, or who examined the baby, will issue a medical certificate of stillbirth.
You need this certificate to register the stillbirth.
Every stillbirth in the Swindon registration district must be registered at Swindon Register Office.
If you cannot attend the Swindon Register Office, you may be able to make a statutory declaration at another register office. Contact us before making arrangements.
Who can register a stillbirth
If the parents were married
If the parents were married to each other at the time of the stillbirth, either parent can register the stillbirth.
If the parents were not married
If the parents were not married to each other at the time of the stillbirth, the mother’s details will always be included in the register.
The father’s details can only be included if:
- both parents attend the register office and sign the register together
- one parent attends with a statutory declaration from the other parent confirming parentage
Most stillbirths are registered by the parents.
If the parents cannot attend, another person may be able to give the information. This is usually someone from the hospital where the stillbirth took place.
Information you need to give
The registrar will ask for information about the child and the parents.
About the child
- Date and place of stillbirth
- First name(s) (including any middle names) and surname, if you choose to name the child
- Sex of the child
About the mother
- First name(s) and surname
- Maiden surname, if the mother is or has been married
- Date and place of birth
- Occupation
- Usual address at the date of the stillbirth
- Date of marriage, if married to the father of the child
- Number of previous children by the current partner or any previous partner
About the father
You only need to give this information if the father’s details will be included in the registration.
- First name(s) and surname
- Date and place of birth
- Occupation
Support after a stillbirth
Support is available if you need help after a stillbirth. You can speak to the hospital, your midwife or the Register Office.
You can also find support on our bereavement support page.
Contact the Register Office
Contact the Register Office if you need advice before registering a stillbirth.