Petition · past parliament · Ministry of Justice

Extend statutory bereavement awards to stillborn babies

Closed 995 signatures

What the petition asks

Amend the Fatal Accidents Act 1976 to specifically include stillborn babies born after 24 weeks, where this has resulted from negligence, under provisions for the statutory bereavement award.
The Fatal Accidents Act 1976 provides for bereavement damages of £15,120 in respect of a wrongful act causing death, but the Act does not specifically provide for this award to be made in the case of stillborn babies resulting from negligence.

This fails to recognise that the devastating impact on the parents and the costs that are incurred as a result (i.e. funeral/time off work).

Allow the financial breathing space for all grieving parents. Stillborn but STILL BORN.

Timeline

12 Nov 2021 Petition opened for signatures
12 May 2022 Closed to new signatures

Key facts

Signatures 995
Status Closed
Department Ministry of Justice
Opened 12 Nov 2021
Closed 12 May 2022

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Source: the official petition page. Last checked 15 Jul 2026.