Baby loss certificates for bereaved families

News - 15 October 2024

Families can now get a certificate in memory of their baby if their pregnancy ended before 24 weeks (or 28 weeks if your pregnancy ended before 1 October 1992).

This official recognition follows a campaign from charities, organisations, and members of the baby loss community. Having an official physical recognition that your baby existed and lived can be so important to so many bereaved parents and families.
Blue and pink ribbon.

Request a baby loss certificate

You can get a certificate in memory of your baby if your pregnancy ends before 24 weeks (or 28 weeks if your pregnancy ended before 1 October 1992).

  • It’s free to get a certificate.
  • You do not need to request a certificate if you prefer not to. It’s optional.
  • The certificate is not a legal document - for example, you cannot use it to claim benefits. 
  • The certificate will not be added to your GP record.

If your pregnancy ends from 24 weeks onwards, you need to register a stillbirth instead.

You can ask for a certificate if all the following apply:

  • you’ve lost a baby before 24 weeks of pregnancy (or 28 weeks before 1 October 1992)
  • you’re one of the baby’s parents or surrogate
  • you’re at least 16 years old
  • you live in England

Request a certificate

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