Still-Birth (Definition) Bill [HL]

A Bill to amend the definition of still-birth to apply from 20 weeks into a pregnancy; and for connected purposes.

Originating House

House of Lords

Last Updated

29 May 2024

In Plain English

AI-generated

This bill changes when a baby is legally recognised as a stillbirth, so it applies from 20 weeks into a pregnancy. It would affect how stillbirths are recorded and counted, and it includes related provisions needed to implement the new definition.

Key Points

Moves the stillbirth threshold to 20 weeks gestation.
Affects recognition, recording and official statistics of stillbirths.
Includes connected provisions to implement the new definition.
Originates in the House of Lords and is accompanied by a Select Committee report.

Progress

The bill is currently at its first reading in the House of Lords; if it proceeds, it will move to the second reading and subsequent stages.

Who is affected?

Pregnant people and their familiesPeople who experience stillbirth or pregnancy lossHealthcare professionals in maternity careNHS and health service administratorsRegistrars of births and deaths and civil registration officesBereavement support organisations and charitiesPolicy makers and researchers using birth/death statistics

Generated 21 February 2026

Updates & Documents

News (1)

Still-Birth (Definition) Bill

11 Dec 2023

The 2023-24 session of Parliament has prorogued and this bill will make no further progress.

Documents (2)

Fourth Report of the Delegated Powers and Regulatory Reform Committee

Select Committee reportLords

15 Dec 2023

HL Bill 34 (as introduced)

BillLords

11 Dec 2023

Parliamentary Votes (0)

No recorded votes for this bill yet.

Still-Birth (Definition) Bill [HL] | TrackPolitics