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Is a Death Certificate Provided After a Stillbirth or Miscarriage?
Since every state has guidelines for reporting fetal death and stillbirths, the provision of a certificate and the type issued can vary. These state guidelines determine whether an individual is […]
Since every state has guidelines for reporting fetal death and stillbirths, the provision of a certificate and the type issued can vary. These state guidelines determine whether an individual is required to file for a death certificate or an alternative certificate after a stillbirth or miscarriage has occurred. Types of certificates that may be issued based on state requirements can include the following:
- Fetal death certificate
- Certificate of spontaneous termination of pregnancy (miscarriage)
- Certificate of stillbirth
If the fetus has reached a gestational age of 20 weeks or beyond, some states will issue a fetal death certificate. This certificate may also be issued if the fetus weighs 350 grams (12 ounces). Although the gestation requirement of 20 weeks is relatively consistent across states, the weight requirement can vary. In states where a certificate of spontaneous termination of pregnancy (miscarriage) is available, such as New York, the certificate is typically issued for fetuses that are 20 weeks of gestation or less.
Fetal death certificates must be filed within a specific period after delivery according to each state’s reporting requirements. For example, Alaska requires the filing of fetal death certificates within three days after delivery. States can also choose to adhere to a five-day reporting period per the recommendations in the Model State Vital Statistics Act and Regulations of 1992.
When fetal death certificates are not issued, alternative forms of documentation, such as the certificate of stillbirth or the certificate of spontaneous termination of pregnancy (miscarriage), are used instead. These certificates may serve some administrative or legal purpose. However, their primary purpose is to acknowledge the loss that the individual has experienced.
In states that have specific weight or gestation requirements, a fetal death certificate may not be required if the fetus doesn’t meet those requirements. If a state bases its fetal death certificate requirement solely on gestational age, but the gestational age cannot be determined, the parents are generally allowed to decide whether they want to file the fetal death certificate or not.
Sources
“Stillbirth or Miscarriage Certificate”. NYC 311. https://portal.311.nyc.gov/article/?kanumber=KA-03562
“State Definitions and Reporting Requirements”. NCHS. https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/misc/itop97.pdf
“Model State Vital Statistics Act and Regulations”. NCHS. https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/misc/mvsact92b.pdf
