NY STILLBIRTH CERTIFICATE LAW PASSED
On March 21 2012, the Certificate of Still Birth became law. It was a proud day for many that worked to grant stillborn children a certificate. As a member of the bereaved parent community and the Executive Director of the WNY Perinatal Bereavement Network, it was moving to watch on-line live the remarks and comments made by members of the NYS Assembly and NYS Senate. I was so proud that Senator Kennedy thanked all of us who worked and advocated for this bill to become a law for years. Kelly Anderson, a bereaved mom, who is very involved with our Network was there in person representing all of us and the Network.
The law will now allow any parent who has had a stillborn child (20+ weeks) to apply for a birth certificate with the New York Department of Health. The law also has a retroactive clause that allows certificates to be requested for losses that occurred prior to the passing of this law. There is a $30.00 fee that must be submitted with the notarized application.
Christine Scott
Bereaved Mother of Jacob Wesley Scott
Executive Director of WNYPBN, Inc.
Download Still Birth Certificate Application:
Application