Lives of WA stillborn babies recognised

Stillborn babies under 20 weeks will now be recognised by Western Australia's Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages.

Previously, a stillborn baby had to have reached 20 weeks or weighed 400g if the duration of the pregnancy was unknown.

But Attorney General Michael Mischin said he had asked the registrar to allow parents who lost a child during early pregnancy to be able to apply for a recognition of loss certificate.

"I acknowledge the emotional trauma and devastation which early pregnancy loss brings," he said.

"The registry has now amended their procedures so that if eligible parents choose to do so, they may apply for a certificate which acknowledges their baby's life.

"I hope this new measure will offer a degree of support and comfort to those who have suffered early pregnancy loss."