What does a Stillbirth certificate recognize?

A Stillbirth certificate acknowledges the event of a fetal death, which can occur at any gestational age, though it is most commonly associated with situations that happen after the 20-week mark. This certificate is important because it serves as formal recognition of the loss, which can be significant for parents in terms of grieving and memorializing their child. It provides an official record, allowing parents to acknowledge their child's existence, which can be crucial in their healing process.

This choice is backed by the conventions in many jurisdictions regarding how stillbirths are documented, highlighting the recognition of fetal loss without imposing strict age limits, allowing for a broader understanding of stillbirth.

The other options, while related to the concept of fetal and infant deaths, do not accurately capture the specific purpose of a Stillbirth certificate. It is not merely a legal registration for stillborn children, nor does it designate the death of an infant shortly after birth, as those involve live births, which is outside the scope of what a Stillbirth certificate addresses.