Commons Sense

House of Commons · General Debate

Registration of Stillbirths (England and Wales)

15 July 2026 · 1 other contributor

Opened by Jim McMahon Labour (Co-op) Oldham West and Royton

NHS

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Jim McMahon raised concerns about registration of stillbirths (england and wales) in the House of Commons. Other MPs contributed to the debate.

Key points

  • Jim McMahon proposed a Bill to permit the remote registration of stillbirths in England and Wales.
  • The Bill aims to provide bereaved parents with the option to register remotely via telephone or secure video appointment.
  • Around 2,400 families experience stillbirth annually in England and Wales according to the statistics cited.

How the debate unfolded

MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.

Opened the debate

Jim McMahon Labour (Co-op) Oldham West and Royton

Jim McMahon proposed a Bill to permit the remote registration of stillbirths, aiming to provide an option for bereaved parents to register remotely by telephone or secure video appointment without imposing additional legal burdens. He cited statistics indicating that around 2,400 families experience stillbirth annually in England and Wales, highlighting the emotional trauma faced by these families. The Bill seeks to prevent further distress by allowing a compassionate choice during one of the most difficult moments for bereaved parents.

Other contributors (1)
  • Jim McMahon Lab Oldham West and Royton

    McMahon introduced the proposal, drawing on personal stories from constituents who faced grief compounded by administrative requirements. He described how remote registration has worked effectively in Scotland and noted that during the pandemic, similar flexibility was applied to death registrations. The Bill aims to provide bereaved families with greater compassion and choice, reflecting principles of trauma-informed public services.

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