Overview

A stillbirth in Ontario is recognized as:

  • the loss of a baby after the 20-week mark of pregnancy,
  • or at a weight of more than 500 grams.

Stillbirths must be registered with the Government of Ontario.

Once registered, the parents of the child may request a:

  • commemorative document of stillbirth
  • certified copy of stillbirth registration

Apply for these free documents by completing ServiceOntario’s Stillbirth Package application.

A certified copy of stillbirth registration is a record of a stillbirth containing the details that took place in Ontario. It may be used to access certain programs and services.

A commemorative document is used for remembrance purposes only. It is not a legal document.

Registering a stillbirth in Ontario

Stillbirth are registered in 2 ways:

  • the funeral director and the parent (or informant) complete a Statement of Stillbirth.
  • the physician or coroner complete a Medical Certificate of Stillbirth

Both forms are submitted to the Office of the Registrar General for registration.

It may take up to 8 weeks for a stillbirth to be registered in Ontario.

Types of documents you can request

The following documents may be requested using the Stillbirth Package application.

They are available for parents who have experienced a stillbirth in Ontario, once the stillbirth has been registered.

Commemorative Document of Stillbirth

A commemorative document that contains information such as:

  • child’s name
  • parent(s) name(s)
  • date and place of stillbirth

 This document is for commemorative purposes only and is not a legal document. If you need this document in a different format, please contact us.

Certified Copy of Stillbirth Registration

A certified copy of the detailed registration filed after stillbirth, also known as the Statement of Stillbirth.

It contains limited registered information about a stillbirth, including signatures.

Certified Copy of Stillbirth Registration with Medical Information

This document includes both:

  • a certified copy of the detailed registration filed after stillbirth, also known as the Statement of Stillbirth
  • the Medical Certificate of Stillbirth that includes signatures and cause of stillbirth information

Search letter

A search letter confirms whether or not a stillbirth is registered.

If registered, a search letter may confirm the registration number and date of event.

A search will be conducted from the information provided by the applicant. A reason for applying for a search is required.

Who can apply

Parent(s) registered on the stillbirth registration are entitled to apply for both:

  • a Certified Copy of a Stillbirth Registration (with or without the cause of stillbirth information)
  • a Commemorative Document of Stillbirth

An extended next of kin of the stillborn may apply only if all parent(s) of the stillborn are deceased. This includes a:

  • grandparent
  • sibling
  • aunt
  • uncle

If you are submitting this form on behalf of the parents as a support representative, you must complete the Written Authorization of Consent section of the application.

How to apply

Parents who experienced a stillbirth may apply for a certified copy of the stillbirth registration and commemorative document either online or by mail.

There is no fee for these documents.

If you are unsure whether a registration exists, you may apply for a search for a registration.

To help with the application process, review the supporting fact sheet before completing your application.

Online

Submitting the application online is a 2 step process:

We recommend you complete the online application using a laptop or desktop computer.

By mail

You can download and mail your completed Stillbirth Package to:

ServiceOntario, Office of the Registrar General
Attention: Service Delivery Manager
189 Red River Road, PO Box 4600
Thunder Bay, Ontario
P7B 6L8

Processing times and delivery

If a stillbirth is not yet registered, it can take up to 8 weeks to complete the registration process.  Once the stillbirth is registered, the submitted Application package can be completed and the requested documents can be issued.

An application can be submitted at any time and it will be processed once the stillbirth has been registered.

The processing and delivery time for each document is 6 to 8 weeks plus delivery by Canada Post.

Amend your existing stillbirth registration

Parents listed on the stillbirth registration can amend information to correct a Statement of Stillbirth.  The following amendments can be made to an existing stillbirth registration:

  • child’s given name
  • child’s middle name
  • parent’s name
  • adding a parent

To make an amendment to an existing registration, you must request forms to amend information on a name.

Please wait until the amended registration is finalized before applying for a Stillbirth Package with updated information.

Support resources

Peer support for bereaved families

The Pregnancy and Infant Loss (PAIL) Network offers peer-led support to any family in Ontario who has experienced a pregnancy loss or an infant death.

Families can access this support at any time for as long as they wish.

Get more information about the PAIL Network at:

Downloadable stillbirth package postcard

If you or your organization supports families who have experienced a loss, consider downloading or printing the Stillbirth Package postcard:

Contact

To find out the status of your request or the stillbirth registration, call the ServiceOntario Contact Centre from Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., at: