Death Of A Child
Is there a different process for a stillbirth vs. an infant death in California?
Short answer
A stillbirth (20 weeks or more gestation) in California requires a fetal death certificate filed with the county. Burial or cremation is required. Parents have all the same rights regarding disposition as with any death. A live birth followed by death requires…
What this usually means
A stillbirth (20 weeks or more gestation) in California requires a fetal death certificate filed with the county. Burial or cremation is required. Parents have all the same rights regarding disposition as with any death. A live birth followed by death requires a birth certificate and a death certificate. The hospital's social worker will guide you through the paperwork.
What to do next
- Start the PathAfter checklist for situation-aware first steps.
- Find California county phone numbers for coroner, vital records, and local offices.
- Open the First 72 Hours Call Log before making calls.
- Open the Documents to Find Checklist when you are ready for paperwork.