In North Dakota, a Fetal Death is the term used when a baby dies in the womb after 20 or more completed weeks of gestation. In some other states, these events are referred to as Births Resulting in Stillbirths, but they refer to the exact same event.
A certified copy of a fetal death record (or birth resulting in stillbirth) may only be requested by a parent named on the record, an authorized representative or by an order from a court of competent jurisdiction.
Frequently Asked Questions
Certified copies of fetal death records are $15.00 for the 1st copy and $10.00 for each additional copy when ordered at the same time. Our office does not issue uncertified copies.
In North Dakota, these events are known as Fetal Deaths. However, they can also be called Births Resulting in Stillbirth. Both terms reference the same vital event. Our request form allows the customer to select which format will be issued.
Once received in our office, copies are usually mailed in 3 to 5 business days (this does not include the return mail time). Any received request that includes FedEx, UPS or USPS Priority Mail return shipping is processed the next business day for overnight shipping.
No. The fax process is not a reliable or efficient way to send your request to our office. If your need is urgent, then we suggest ordering your fetal death record using our secure online application, which is our fastest method of ordering records.
Yes. Using our secure online application, you may order your record online and select "Web Order Pickup" in the shipping method. When you order is ready, which usually takes less than two hours, we will email you directions to our office so that you can stop by and pick it up. Please remember to bring the ID you used to order the record, so we can verify that you are the correct person.
Important Reminder for Parents of Stillborn Children
Parents who lose a baby to stillbirth (fetal death) and file a North Dakota income tax return are eligible for a one-time deduction in the year the stillbirth occurred. The deduction is adjusted annually for inflation and therefore may change from year to year. North Dakota identifies a birth resulting in stillbirth or fetal death as the unintended death of a baby at 20 or more weeks gestation.
- Parents of a stillborn baby who would have been their dependent for federal income tax purposes. If they file a separate return, only one of them may claim the deduction.
- The deduction is available to parents of stillborn babies born on or after Jan. 1, 2017.
- Parents must first obtain a Certification of Fetal Death (or Certification of Birth Resulting in Stillbirth) from the North Dakota Division of Vital Records.
- Claim the deduction on Schedule ND-1SA, a supplemental schedule to the North Dakota individual income tax return, Form ND-1.
If you need tax forms or have questions, go to the North Dakota Office of State Tax Commissioner’s website at www.nd.gov/tax or call toll free 1-877-328-7088. You may also send an email to the Individual Income Tax Section at individualtax@nd.gov.
Additional Resources
For other resources, visit the North Dakota Infant and Child Death Services Program at www.ndhealth.gov/sids or the Star Legacy Foundation at www.starlegacyfoundation.org.
If you cannot provide any of these forms of identification or if you have any other questions related to these requirements, please call our office at (701) 328-2360 or contact us by e-mail at vitalrec@nd.gov
Questions? Contact Us
If you cannot provide any of these forms of identification or if you have any other questions related to these requirements, please call our office at (701) 328-2360 or contact us by e-mail at vitalrec@nd.gov