Ontario scraps fees for stillbirth registration [Video]

Parents in Ontario mourning their stillborn child will no longer have to pay for the legal documents associated with the loss.

Each year, there are around 1,400 stillbirths in Ontario, which meant grieving parents had to pay $22 to obtain a certified copy of a stillbirth registration – needed for legal purposes – and an additional $15 search fee. A stillbirth, as recognized by the province, is when a baby dies after the 20-week mark of pregnancy or at a weight of more than 500 grams.

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The province said on Tuesday – which happens to be Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Day – it recognizes the burdens this has on families, prompting its decision to waive these fees and simplify the process of obtaining the required registration.

“A stillbirth is a heartbreaking experience for any family. Our government understands the importance of honouring the memory of a lost loved one, and we are proud to be …