Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 3 July 2018
502. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection when a birth certificate will be issued to a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28799/18]
View answerThe registration of stillbirths in Ireland 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 which now provides for the registration of stillbirths, in section 28.
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 is now 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".
Stillbirths which occurred in Ireland prior to the enactment of the 1994 Act may be registered, if the criteria set out in this definition are fulfilled.
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 Organization recommends that a stillbirth be defined as a baby born with no signs of life at or after 28 weeks' gestation.
While acknowledging that the loss 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.
