Certificate after a miscarriage in plain language

Sometimes a baby dies before birth.

This is very sad for the parents.

You can then obtain a certificate from the registry office.

The certificate shows:
There was a miscarriage or stillbirth.

• What is a miscarriage?
• What is a stillbirth?
• Who can apply for a certificate?
• What do you need the certificate for?
• Where do you report the stillbirth?
• What do you need for the application?
• Where can you get help?

A miscarriage means:

The baby is not alive.

It weighs less than 500 grams.

The mother was not yet 24 weeks pregnant.

A stillbirth means:

The baby is not alive.

But it weighed more than 500 grams.

Or the mother was more than 24 weeks pregnant.

If the parents are married:

Then the mother and father may apply for the certificate.

If the parents are not married:

The mother can apply for the certificate.

The father can apply for the certificate

if you made a declaration of custody before the birth.

The declaration of custody states:

You want to look after the child together.

The certificate may be important, for example:

• for the funeral
• for certain benefits

For example: maternity benefits, sick leave or bereavement leave

Important:

You do not have to apply for a certificate.

But you can - if you want to.

Would you like a certificate of miscarriage or stillbirth?

Then go to the registry office in your town.

The registry office is usually in the town hall or citizens' office.

Which registry office is responsible?

The registry office at the place of birth is responsible.

It does not matter where you live.

For the certificate you will need, for example:

• Your identity card or passport
• A certificate from the doctor or midwife
• The child's intended first name and surname

The registry office will tell you

if you need any other documents.

Do you have questions about the certificate?

Then the registry office in your city can help.

Don't know which registry office is responsible?

Then search the Internet for:

"Registry office + place of birth of the child".

Or call the authority number.

The telephone number is 115

.