A stillbirth or miscarriage is the death of a fetus before or during birth. After a stillbirth or miscarriage, a medical facility or funeral director will register the death of the fetus with the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH).
There are two types of stillbirth or miscarriage certificates. The type depends how long the fetus developed in the womb (gestation).
- A certificate of spontaneous termination of pregnancy (miscarriage) certifies the fetal death occurring before or during the 20th week of gestation.
- A certificate of still birth certifies a fetal death occurring after the 20th week of gestation.
Note: If your child was born with some evidence of life, such as a heartbeat or voluntary muscle movement, the infant will have both a birth certificate and death certificate. You must apply separately for these certificates.
Learn more about stillbirth or miscarriage certificates.
Who Can Order
Anyone can request a certificate of spontaneous termination of pregnancy.
You can only request a certificate of still birth and miscarriage if you are a parent named on the certificate. If both parents are deceased at the time of stillbirth, you can order if you are an aunt, uncle, or grandparent of the birth parent.
