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Related Information
Stillbirth
Minnesota law requires that fetal deaths at 20 or more weeks of gestation be registered with the state. Fetal death records are important public health data. The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) also uses the information 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 Application 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.
Certificate of Birth Resulting in Stillbirth
Parents named on the fetal death record may order a Certificate of Birth Resulting in Stillbirth for legal, tax, or commemorative purposes. Stillbirth certificates are only available from MDH, which accepts applications via fax or mail. Request a certificate by completing the Request for Certificate of Birth Resulting in Stillbirth (PDF) and signing it in front of a notary public.
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 the tax form. 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 Application to Change or Register a Fetal Death Record (PDF).