TranslateMiscarriage, stillbirth and loss of a newborn
Information about registering a baby after a miscarriage, stillbirth or a newborn loss.
Early pregnancy loss
The loss of a developing baby before 20 weeks of pregnancy (miscarriage) and there is no sign of respiration or heartbeat or other sign of life after birth.
The parent/s do not need to register the birth. They can apply for a free early pregnancy loss certificate.
Stillbirth
A baby is stillborn if they died after 20 weeks' gestation or weighed over 400 grams and shows no sign of respiration or heartbeat or other sign of life after birth.
The parents do need to register the birth as it is a requirement of the Births, Deaths and Marriage Registration Act 1999. It means there will be a permanent record of the birth in the Tasmanian birth register, and the parent/s can obtain a birth certificate. The details are also provided to the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) to contribute to accurate and complete national birth data.
Parent/s can complete a paper birth registration statement or register online.
Please contact Births, Deaths and Marriages (phone 616 53450) to obtain a copy of the paper birth registration statement if you or the parent/s need help or advice about registering their baby.
Loss of a newborn
If a baby died soon after being born alive, the parent/s do need to register the birth. The death also needs to be registered. It is a requirement of the Births, Deaths and Marriages Registration Act 1999. It means there will be a permanent record of the birth in the birth register and the death in the death register and the parent/s can obtain a birth and death certificate. The details are also provided to the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) to contribute to accurate and complete national birth and death data.
Parent/s can complete a paper birth registration statement or register online.
A funeral director will usually register the death based on details provided by the family.
Please contact Births, Deaths and Marriages (phone 616 53450) to obtain a copy of the paper birth registration statement if you or the parent/s need help or advice about registering their baby.