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Request a baby loss certificate

You can get a certificate in memory of your baby if your pregnancy ends before 24 weeks (or 28 weeks if your pregnancy ended before 1 October 1992).

It’s free to get a certificate.

You do not need to request a certificate if you prefer not to. It’s optional.

The certificate is not a legal document - for example, you cannot use it to claim benefits. The certificate will not be added to your GP record.

If your pregnancy ends from 24 weeks onwards, you need to register a stillbirth instead.

Before you start

You’ll need:  

  • your NHS number or postcode registered with your GP - find your NHS number on the NHS website

  • the mobile phone number or email address registered with your GP

  • permission from the other parent and their email address, if you want their name on the certificate

Request a certificate

You can ask for a certificate if all the following apply:

  • you’ve lost a baby before 24 weeks of pregnancy (or 28 weeks before 1 October 1992)

  • you’re one of the baby’s parents or surrogate

  • you’re at least 16 years old

  • you live in England

Start now

You can request a separate certificate for each baby if you’ve lost:

  • more than one pregnancy

  • more than one baby in a single pregnancy (like twins or triplets)

Your certificate can take up to 21 days to arrive in the post. If you do not receive it, you can request another certificate.

Get help to request a certificate

You cannot request the certificate online if:

  • you have lost four or more babies in a single pregnancy
  • you or the other parent had a different name at the time of your loss, such as a maiden name
  • the other parent has died
  • you or the other parent do not have a mobile phone number or email address registered with your GP
  • you live at a British Forces Post Office (BFPO) address and have lived in England when you were aged 16 or over
  • you need help requesting your certificate using translation services
  • you want your certificate in a different format

You’ll need to email or call the helpline. 

Baby loss certificate service
Email: babylosscertificate@nhsbsa.nhs.uk
Telephone: 0300 330 9445

Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm
Find out about call charges