We, the undersigned, who are residents of, and voters in the States listed above, troubled by the indifferent and callous administrative processes that consequently serve to invalidate the birth of our stillborn children, ask for the enactment of legislation, or changes in current State procedures, that would provide for the issuance of a “Certificate of Birth Resulting in Stillbirth”.

In the States listed above, Mothers who carry a baby to near full term, but then, through no fault of their own, give birth to a stillborn child, are NOT issued a "Certificate of Birth" of any kind for their children. Current procedures and laws in those States will not allow for it. In most States, the Mother would more than likely receive only a certificate or report of fetal death. In some States, those documents won’t even have the child’s name on it.

As of February 18, 2003, only Arizona, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Massachusetts and Utah validate the birth of a stillborn child by giving parents, upon request, a "Certificate of Birth Resulting in Stillbirth" or a “Certificate of Stillbirth”. These legal documents serve to provide validation, legitimacy, and help parents through the grieving and healing process following the death of a child.

This is not a "Right to Life" or a "Right to Choose" issue. This is about common sense and closure for the families affected by stillbirth. How can a State issue a certificate or report of fetal death for a child who was never officially born?

By electronically signing this petition, you are affirming that you are 18 years of age or older, a citizen of the United States, and you fully support the enactment of legislation, or changes in procedures in your State, that would provide for the issuance of a “Certificate of Birth Resulting in Stillbirth” rather than having your State perpetuate their currently invalidating, cold, and heartless procedures.

Sincerely,