The baby loss certificate service is a scheme to support parents who have experienced a pregnancy loss before 24 weeks.
The certificate is an important acknowledgement of a life lost, but it is not a legal document.
Parents who have experienced the devastation of losing a baby before 24 weeks of pregnancy can apply for a certificate in their memory. The certificates are optional - you do not need to request one if you would prefer not to.
You can apply for a baby loss certificate if:
- you've lost a baby before the 24th week of pregnancy
- you're one of the baby’s parents or surrogate
- you're at least 16 years old
- your pregnancy ended on or after 1 September 2018
- you lived in England when you lost your baby
- you live in England
What you need
To request a baby loss certificate, you will need:
- your NHS number 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