Policy background Report on registration of pregnancy loss
The Births and Deaths Registration Act 1953 requires all still-births (where a baby is still-born after 24 weeks gestation) to be registered by a registrar. Parents of babies who are still-born receive a medical certificate certifying the still-birth and, upon registration, can register the baby's name and receive a certificate of registration of still-birth. When a pregnancy ends before 24 weeks gestation, however, there is no formal process for parents to legally register the loss.
	Many of the care considerations for parents experiencing a still-birth will be similar for those experiencing a pregnancy loss which occurs before 24 weeks gestation. Local policies, however, may affect the type and place of care offered or available depending on the gestation when pregnancy loss occurs.
	In particular, registration certificates are often greatly valued by parents as a way of recognising and naming their baby. Some parents who experience a pregnancy loss find it very distressing that they are unable to legally register their loss.