Registering a stillbirth

 

Any stillbirth which occurs in Scotland must be registered within twenty-one days by the Registrar of Births, Deaths and Marriages. The law allows a stillbirth to be registered in any registration district in Scotland.

A list of the Registration Offices can be found on the page via the following link: 

Registration Offices (new window)

Updated: 15/09/11

Frequently Asked Questions

Click a question to see the answer.

What documents do I need in order to register a stillbirth?

After the stillbirth the doctor or midwife will issue a form (certificate of stillbirth). This form should be taken to the Registrar. If the parents are married to each other it would be helpful to take your marriage certificate with you when you go to the Registrars office.

What documents will I receive after I have registered a stillbirth?

After the stillbirth has been registered, the Registrar will give you the following documents: A certificate of registration of stillbirth which has to be given to the Undertaker, and, if the Informant requests, one extract of the entry, free of charge. If further extracts are required these will incur a small fee.

When I register a stillbirth, can I give the stillborn baby a name?

Yes, you can give a stillborn baby a name, but there is no obligation to do so.

Who can register a stillbirth?

One of the child's parents must register the stillbirth. If the parents are married to each other, only one parent need visit the registrar and either the mother or father can register the stillbirth. If the parents are not married to each other it is the mother's duty to register the stillbirth. Where both parents' names are to appear on the entry, both parents should visit the registrar, together. If either parent is unable to be present at the time of registration, the non-attending parent should complete a Statutory Declaration and they should contact the registrar, who will explain how the stillbirth may be registered.

Online Tools

www.gro-scotland.gov.uk (new window)

Contact details

  • Tel: Livingston - 01506 281894 or Bathgate: 01506 776192
  •  Send an email