Stillbirth Records

Minnesota law requires that fetal deaths at 20 or more weeks of gestation be registered with the state. The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) uses the information to establish a fetal death record and to issue Certificates of Birth Resulting in Stillbirth.

Generally, a fetal death is registered by the facility where the delivery occurred. However, if it hasn't been registered more than a year after the delivery, use the Request to Change or Register a Fetal Death Record (PDF) to register the fetal death. The form must be accompanied by an authenticated medical record showing the facts of the delivery and stillbirth. If the delivery was unattended by a physician, the fetal death must be reported to the medical examiner or coroner.

Parents named on the record of the stillbirth (fetal death record) may order a Certificate of Birth Resulting in Stillbirth for legal, tax, or commemorative purposes. Stillbirth certificates are only available through MDH via fax or email request using the Request for Certificate of Birth Resulting in Stillbirth (PDF) form.

Parents named on the fetal death record may also order an informational fetal death report using the certificate request form. The person who gave birth can order an informational report that includes medical information. 

Tax credit for parents of stillborn children

Parents who experience a stillbirth in Minnesota may be eligible for a tax credit of $2,000. To receive the credit, parents must provide a Certificate of Birth Resulting in Stillbirth along with their tax forms. Visit the Minnesota Department of Revenue Parents of Stillborn Children Credit webpage for more information.

Change a fetal death record

If a fetal death record needs to be corrected, parents named on the record can request changes using the Request to Change or Register a Fetal Death Record (PDF).

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