Deaths, burials and cremations

Parents who suffer a stillbirth must register the stillbirth of the child within 3 months.

An appointment should be made as usual, and it is the intention of the register office that you be seen as soon as possible.

The mother can register the stillbirth but the father can only do this if he was married to the mother at the time of the stillbirth. If the parents are not married, the father must attend the registration if he wishes his name to go in the register.

You will need to bring with you a form from the medical practitioner or midwife who was present at the stillbirth. This form is called a Medical Certificate of Stillbirth.

You will need to provide the following information:

• date and place of stillbirth
• forename and surname of the baby (you do not have to give the baby a forename)
• the parents' forenames and surnames
• the place of birth of each parent
• the occupation of each parent
• usual address of each parent
• date of birth of each parent
• date of marriage (if married)
• mother's maiden name (if applicable)

You will be provided with a certificate of registration for which there is no charge.

You may purchase a full certificate of stillbirth.

Apply for a baby loss certificate

Parents who have lost a baby to miscarriage before 24 weeks of pregnancy can request a baby loss certificate.

The certificate is designed to formally recognise the devastating loss of a baby during pregnancy.

This is a free service. It is optional, which means you can choose whether or not you want to request a certificate. The certificate will be official but not a legal document.

For more information and to request a certificate, go to GOV.UK: Request a baby loss certificate.

Contact us

Contact Thurrock Register Office for information and assistance.