Registration of Stillborn Babies

When should registration be completed?

Your baby will normally need to be registered within 21 days and before burial/cremation can take place.

Who can register a stillbirth?

A stillbirth can be registered by either parent provided you are married or in a civil partnership. If you are not married or in a civil partnership and both names have to appear on the entry then both parents should normally attend the registration office together.

Where should I register the stillbirth?

You may register at any Registration Office in Scotland. As most registration offices now operate an appointment system it is advisable to contact them first before going there.

What information will I need?

You will have been given a ‘Certificate of Stillbirth’ (Form 6) and a Stillbirth Registration Card by the midwife or doctor who delivered or examined your baby. These should be taken to the registration office along with your Certificate of  Marriage/Civil Partnership if available.

Following registration – what should I do next?

When registration is complete you will be given a ‘Certificate of Stillbirth’ (Form 8) which should be given to the funeral director or midwife caring for your family. An extract of the ‘Certificate of Stillbirth’ requested by the mother or father/parent is available at the time of or within one month from date of registration and is provided FREE.

Further help and advice

Midwives, Doctors, Funeral Care Services and Registrars are available to give guidance. Please do not hesitate to make contact and ask for further information or assistance if required.

If you need this information in another language or format, please e-mail:

Translation.Services@lanarkshire.scot.nhs.uk