Registering a stillbirth

Stillbirth is an extremely traumatic experience and it is essential that the process of registering a stillbirth is made as trouble-free as possible.

It should be registered as soon as possible, or no later than five days from the date of death (except where the matter has been referred to the Coroner), to allow funeral arrangements to go ahead.

This is free and can be done in any Registrar's office in Northern Ireland.

Registering a stillbirth is very simple and no appointment is needed. Our Registrar's office is located in Belfast City Hall and is open from 9.30am to 4.30pm Monday to Thursday and 9.30am to 4pm on Fridays. If you have a query, call us on 028 9027 0274 or email registrar@belfastcity.gov.uk

What information will I need?

You will need a medical certificate, signed by a doctor, which shows the cause of stillbirth. We will also need:

full name and surname of the baby
date and place of death
usual address
full names and occupations of the baby's mother and father.

Please note that a registration cannot be easily changed once completed.

Who can register?

mother or father of the baby
maternal grandfather
maternal grandmother
maternal uncle
maternal aunt
occupier of the premises where the stillbirth took place, for example, a governor or matron
any person present at the stillbirth.

Advice and support

The NI Direct website has details of organisations which can provide support after a bereavement.