Maternal and child health notifications

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Terminations of pregnancy (Induced abortions)

Outlines the procedures for notifying the Department of Health of terminations of pregnancy/induced abortions.

Perinatal and infant deaths

Outlines the procedures for notifying the Department of Health about the death of a child of more than 20 weeks gestation and up to one year old.

Death of a woman as a result of pregnancy or childbirth

Outlines the procedures for notifying the Department of Health about the death of a woman as the result of pregnancy or childbirth or complications arising from this.

Midwife reporting of birth events / cases attended

Outlines the procedures for midwives in relation to notifying the Department of Health about the outcomes of all birth events.

Registering a birth

The Births, Deaths and Marriages Registration Act 1998 requires that a child's birth is registered within 60 days of the birth and that both parents complete and sign a Birth Registration Form provided to them by the hospital or midwife.

Outlines the procedures for registering a birth (External site).

Reporting of birth events not attended by a midwife or doctor

In the case where a birth was not attended by a midwife or doctor, the parents are required to provide to the Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages evidence that a birth has occurred. In these cases parents must ring the Registry (1300 305 021) to obtain information and guidance relating to registration of the birth. Each case is assessed on its merits. 

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