- Committee -

SCS/SB 75 - This act allows the state registrar to issue a certification of stillbirth to the parent or parents of a stillborn child.

A "stillborn child" is defined as a dead fetus that was the product of human conception of twenty weeks gestation or more, calculated from the date the last normal menstrual period began to the date of delivery, and that was born alive.

The certification of stillbirth form must satisfy the formatting and filing requirements of Section 193.085, RSMo, for live births. The certification must be filed with the local registrar within seven days of the delivery. If the parent or parents of the stillborn child do not wish to provide a name, then any references to the name on the certification will remain blank.

If a stillbirth has not been registered within one year of the date of delivery, then a certification marked "delayed" can be filed and registered along with any other requirements necessary to substantiate the facts surrounding the stillbirth.

A certification of stillbirth may be issued to any individual having a direct and tangible interest in the record.

The certification shall include the statement "This is not proof of a live birth".

An individual may file an application for certification of stillbirth for any birth that resulted in stillbirth that occurred prior to August 28, 2003.

LORIE TOWE