The staff at York Register office wish to express their sincere sympathy to you at this time.
Baby loss certificate launched to recognise parents’ grief
A government scheme designed to recognise the grief of parents who have experienced a loss of pregnancy before 24 weeks has been launched. The scheme offers those who experience a loss pre-24 weeks' gestation a certificate to formally recognise the devastating impact of pregnancy loss. The new certificates, which are not compulsory, will be official but not legal documents.
Parents who have experienced the devastation of losing a baby before 24 weeks of pregnancy can now apply for a certificate to have their grief recognised.
The certificates are available for either parent to access following a loss under 24 weeks since September 2018.
Request a baby loss certificate
If your pregnancy ends before 24 weeks, you can get a certificate in memory of your baby. 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.
What you will need:
- your NHS number (you can find out your NHS number on the NHS website) or postcode registered with your GP
- the mobile phone number or email address registered with your GP
- permission from the other parent and their email address, if you want their name on the certificate
The certificates are not compulsory - it remains the choice of all parents to manage the difficult time of a loss, however they see fit.
Request a certificate
Apply for a baby loss certificate online.
For bereavement support
Find bereavement support from York and Scarborough Teaching Hospitals.