Overview

This bill proposes to change the legal definition of a stillbirth in England and Wales. Currently, a stillbirth is defined as a baby born dead 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 the Births and Deaths Registration Act 1953. The change alters the gestational age threshold from 24 weeks to 20 weeks. This same adjustment is applied to the definition of "confinement" within the Social Security Contributions and Benefits Act 1992, impacting eligibility for maternity allowance and statutory maternity pay.

Key Changes:

• Reduces the gestational age for defining a stillbirth from 24 weeks to 20 weeks.
• Updates related definitions in social security legislation to align with the new stillbirth definition.
• Applies only to England and Wales.
• Will come into effect two months after it is passed.

Government Spending

The bill doesn't directly specify any changes to government spending. However, altering the definition of stillbirth could indirectly affect spending on maternity services, social security benefits (maternity allowance and statutory maternity pay), and potentially bereavement support services. The exact financial impact is not detailed in the bill itself and will require further analysis.

Groups Affected

• Parents experiencing stillbirth: The change could offer recognition and support to parents who experience the loss of a baby between 20 and 24 weeks of pregnancy.
• Healthcare professionals: The change may necessitate adjustments to record-keeping and reporting procedures.
• Social security agencies: The bill's impact on the definition of "confinement" may necessitate changes to the administration of maternity benefits.
• Researchers and statisticians: Data collection and analysis on stillbirth rates will need to adjust to the new definition.

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