Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 19 October 2017
241. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection her plans to allow mothers that have lost their sons or daughters before 24 weeks' gestation to have their children's names registered on the stillbirth register (details supplied). [44467/17]
View answerThe registration of stillbirths was first provided for in the Stillbirths Registration Act 1994. The definition of a stillbirth contained in that Act was carried forward to the Civil Registration Act 2004. The registration of stillbirths is provided for in section 28 of the 2004 Act.
When the 1994 Act was introduced it was primarily to afford comfort to the bereaved parents. For this reason it was felt that the definition of a stillbirth should be as wide as possible, consistent with accepted medical norms.
During the passage of the 1994 Act detailed consideration was given, by the Oireachtas, as to what the most appropriate definition of a stillbirth should be. It was decided to use the broadest definition available to allow as many registrations as possible. The definition that was agreed on is based on the international medical meaning of the term ‘stillborn child’ The definition of a “stillborn child” is contained in section 2(1) of the 2004 Act and provides that a stillborn child “means a child who, at birth, weighs not less than 500 grammes or has a gestational age of not less than 24 weeks and shows no sign of life”.
The definition of ‘stillborn’ varies from country to country. Some countries use gestational age only, while others use weight, or a combination of both. In Ireland, in order to broaden the definition, either criterion can be used.
For international comparison purposes the World Health Organisation recommends that a stillbirth be defined as a baby born with no signs of life at or after 28 weeks' gestation.
It should be noted that stillbirths which occurred prior to the enactment of the 1994 Act may be registered, providing the stillborn child fulfils the criteria as set out in section 2(1) of the 2004 Act.
While acknowledging that the loss of an unborn child is very sad for the family concerned there are no plans to amend the legislation as the definition of a stillbirth contained in the 2004 Act is consistent with accepted medical norms.
