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Baby loss certificates

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