The provincial government has announced a plan to remove a cost that may increase the burden on already grieving parents.
To commemorate October 15 as Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Day, the Ontario Ministry of Public and Business Service Delivery and Procurement announced the elimination of fees associated with registering a stillborn child, which is a legal requirement.
"A stillbirth is a heartbreaking experience for any family. Our government understands the importance of honouring the memory of a lost loved one, and we are proud to be the first jurisdiction in Canada to eliminate fees for stillbirth documents," said Minister Todd McCarthy. "We are standing by our grieving families by providing this commemorative document and easing administrative and financial burdens during what is already an extraordinarily difficult time."
The province will also provide parents with a free commemorative document remembering their child. Ontario is now the fourth Canadian province to offer this keepsake.
Previously, there was a $22 cost to register a stillbirth with the province, along with a $15 fee to search provincial records for a stillbirth.
Charmaine Williams, Associate Minister of Women’s Social and Economic Opportunity, believed that dropping the fees would help comfort grief-stricken parents.
"It is critical that families have a way to remember their children that acknowledges their grief and honours their loved one’s memory," said Williams. "It is my sincere hope that the changes introduced by the Ontario government will show that even in the most difficult times, families are not alone, and their heartbreak is recognized."
The provincial government considers a stillbirth as the loss of a baby after the 20th week of pregnancy or at a weight of over 500 grams.
Complete information on registering a stillbirth and obtaining a stillbirth package can be found on the provincial government's official website.