What kind of death certificate is issued in cases of fetal death?

• A. Certificate of death
• B. Certificate of fetal death
• C. Certificate of stillbirth
• D. Certificate of birth

Answer: (B)

When a fetus dies, the record used is a certificate of fetal death. This form is separate from a standard death certificate because it documents the demise of a fetus rather than a living person. It captures details like gestational age or weight, date and place of death, and disposition, and is used for burial or cremation and for vital statistics. Although people may hear terms like “stillbirth,” the official document in this context is the certificate of fetal death. A regular certificate of death applies to a deceased person, and a birth certificate applies to a live birth.