How to register a stillbirth

We understand that registering a still birth is a distressing time. Please call your chosen Registrars office and we'll talk you through the process, advising what we'll need from you and what you can expect from us at this difficult time.

A still-birth in Scotland must be registered in Scotland within 21 days and can be registered at any registration office in Scotland.

If the parents of the child are married to each other, either can register the stillbirth.

The mother can register the stillbirth on her own if the parents are not married to each other. Where the parents are not married to each other and the father wants to acknowledge paternity, he should attend with the mother.

Registration can only be performed by someone other than the parents of the child under special circumstances.

If the father acknowledges paternity but is unable to attend the registration office their details can still be recorded. They will need to complete a statutory declaration for the mother to hand over to the registrar. The registration can take place once the mother has signed a declaration in the presence of the registrar.

If the mother is unable to attend the registration office and the parents are not married to each other, the father needs to hand over a statutory declaration signed by the mother to the registrar. The registration can take place once the father/parent has signed a declaration in the presence of the registrar.

Your doctor or midwife will give you a certificate of stillbirth. We'll also need details of the parents, including full names and dates of birth. Your birth and marriage certificates, if applicable, will be helpful though they're not essential.

We'll give you a Form 8 for the Funeral Director and if you wish, a full certificate of the entry in the Register. There is no charge for either of these.