Miscarriages and Still Births
The Health Department issues two types of certificates to eligible individuals who submit an application (PDF) in person or by mail (see below). These certificates cost $15 each and cannot be ordered online. The certificate type depends on information submitted by the hospital or midwife, based on their best clinical estimates of gestation.
Certificate of Spontaneous Termination of Pregnancy (Miscarriages)
This document certifies the death of a fetus that occurred before or during the 20th week of gestation.
Certificate of Still Birth
This document certifies the still birth of a fetus that occurred after the 20th week of gestation. Certificates of still birth can be obtained only by the following:
- Parent(s) named on the certificate
- If both parent(s) are deceased at the time of stillbirth, the aunts, uncles and grandparents of the birth parent(s)
Note: If your child was born with some evidence of life such as a heartbeat or voluntary muscle movement, the infant will have both a birth certificate (PDF) and a death certificate (PDF), which you must apply separately.
Submitting Applications In-Person
Do not forget to bring valid photo identification. Certificates are not issued the same day and are usually mailed within 10 business days of when your application is received. Cash is not accepted.
| Location: | Room 133 at 125 Worth Street in lower Manhattan (please enter on Lafayette or Centre Street) |
| Hours: | Open Monday - Friday, excluding holidays, 9:00am - 3:30pm |
| Payment: | $15 for each copy using a credit card, debit card, or check or money order (made payable to the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene). |
Submitting Applications by Mail
Allow up to six weeks to receive your certificate from the date you send your request. Submit the following items to the address listed below:
- Application (if you are unable to download the application, please call 311 or 212-639-9675 outside New York City)
- Check or money order for $15 made payable to the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene.
- Copy of your valid photo identification including signature
- Self-addressed, stamped envelope
Mail all of these materials to:
NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene
Office of Vital Records
125 Worth Street, CN-4, Room 133
New York, NY 10013
Burials at the City Cemetery
In New York City, if private funeral arrangements are not made, remains of stillborn infants more than 24 weeks gestation are sent for burial to the City cemetery, commonly known as Potter's Field, by the Office of the City Medical Examiner. To get information on visiting your infant’s remains, please call the NYC Department of Correction at 718-546-1500.
