State To Begin Offering Parents “Certificate Of Still Birth”

Albany, NY (WIBX) - A new law is in effect allowing parents who give birth to a baby, resulting in a stillbirth, to receive a "Certificate of Still Birth," issued by the state Department of Health.

The legislation was passed in both the state Senate and Assembly, and is meant to provide the families of stillbirths "comfort, dignity and documentation."

Sponsored by Assembly member Sandra Galef and Senator William Larkin, the bills garnered a combined total of 111 other sponsors.

The first recipients of the certificate were announced in the Assembly Chambers on Wednesday afternoon.

Similar measures are already in effect in 28 other states.