Overview

This bill proposes to change the legal definition of a stillbirth in England and Wales. Currently, a stillbirth is defined as occurring after 24 weeks of pregnancy; this bill aims to lower that threshold to 20 weeks.

Description

The Still-Birth (Definition) Act 2024 amends existing legislation to redefine "still-born child" in the Births and Deaths Registration Act 1926 and 1953. The change will update the current 24-week threshold to 20 weeks. This change will also be applied to the Social Security Contributions and Benefits Act 1992, specifically impacting the definition of "confinement" for maternity allowance and statutory maternity pay. The bill applies only to England and Wales and will come into effect two months after it is passed.

Government Spending

The bill doesn't directly specify any changes to government spending. The impact on government spending is likely indirect and relates to potential changes in the number of stillbirth registrations and related social security payments. Precise figures are unavailable from this text.

Groups Affected

• Parents experiencing stillbirth: The change could offer recognition and support to parents who lose a baby before 24 weeks but after 20 weeks of pregnancy.
• Medical professionals: The change will affect how stillbirths are recorded and reported, potentially impacting data collection and research.
• Social security recipients: Women who experience stillbirths between 20 and 24 weeks could become eligible for certain benefits.
• Registration offices: Changes will need to be made to the registration process for stillbirths.

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