In which circumstance is a Stillbirth certificate issued?

A Stillbirth certificate is issued in specific situations related to fetal demise. The correct condition for issuing a Stillbirth certificate occurs when there is a fetal death at any gestational age. This is crucial because it recognizes the loss of a fetus, regardless of when during the pregnancy the death occurs. The documentation serves to formally acknowledge the stillbirth, making it an important aspect for parents and medical professionals alike.

For clarity, although a certificate may be issued if the infant survives for a short period after birth, that situation typically corresponds to a different type of documentation related to live born infants who subsequently pass away. Similarly, a birth that occurs after 20 weeks, which may qualify for a Stillbirth certificate, is specifically about the condition of the fetus being stillborn rather than merely being born alive yet dying shortly thereafter. Lastly, while parental requests for official documents are valid, the issuance of a Stillbirth certificate is primarily dependent on the circumstances of the fetal death itself rather than upon parental desire alone.