Register a stillbirth

When a pregnancy passes 24 weeks and the baby sadly dies before it is born, it is called a stillbirth. A stillbirth must be registered within 42 days at the Register Office in the borough where it took place.

Stillbirths in Wandsworth

If the stillbirth took place in the London Borough of Wandsworth, you will need to attend Wandsworth Register Office for the registration.

The Register Office operates a walk in service from Monday to Friday between 9am and 4pm. You do not need to call in advance, instead please just come to the office at a convenient time within these hours.

Stillbirths outside of Wandsworth

If the stillbirth occurred outside of the London Borough of Wandsworth, we are able to complete a declaration for the register office which covers the area in which the still-birth took place.

We will take the information from the informant and post it to the relevant Register Office. They will then post out all the relevant documentation to the informant. 

Who can register the stillbirth

Married parents

The mother or father can register the stillbirth.

If the parents are unable to attend, the following people can register as 'qualified informants':

  • The occupier of the house or institution where the still-birth took place
  • A person present at the still-birth
  • The person in charge of the still-born child
  • The person who found the still-born child

Unmarried parents

If the parents were not married at the time of the conception or stillbirth, both parents must attend for the father's details to be entered into the register.

The mother is able to attend the registration on her own, but the father's details will be left off the registration. It may be possible to add the father’s details at a later date through a re-registration.

If one parent cannot go to the register office, they will need to complete a statutory declaration of parentage form in the presence of a qualified official who is listed on the form. The form should be given to the registrar at the time of registration.

At the appointment

What to bring:

  • Medical certificate of stillbirth issued by certifying doctor or registered midwife
  • Cheque or postal order for stillbirth declaration
  • Someone who can translate for you (if you do not speak or understand English)

Information needed:

  • Name of baby if one was given
  • Surname of the baby
  • Date and place of stillbirth
  • Full names and occupation of the mother and father

What you will receive 

  • A certificate of registration 
  • A certificate for burial or cremation (separate procedures apply where the death has been referred to the Coroner) 

Certificates

  • Stillbirth certificate - free of charge.
  • Standard certificate - £11

Up to Deaths

Updated: 05/07/2023