Registration of stillbirths (England and Wales)

MP proposes a new law (usually symbolic)

Jim McMahon is proposing a change to the law requiring stillbirths in England and Wales to be formally registered. Currently, stillbirths before 24 weeks of pregnancy do not have to be registered, meaning families do not receive an official record of their loss. The motion calls for registration to become mandatory across all gestational ages, giving bereaved parents legal recognition and a certificate of their child.

This affects hundreds of families each year who experience early pregnancy loss. Formal registration would provide bereaved parents with official documentation for practical purposes—such as organizing funerals, claiming bereavement leave, or accessing support services—and recognizes the emotional and social significance of stillbirth at any stage. The change would align England and Wales with best practice in other countries and strengthen support for grieving families during a vulnerable time.