Belgium to Allow Parents to Name Stillborn Infants

In a compassionate move, Belgium is poised to enact legislation allowing parents of stillborn infants to officially give their child a surname. This significant change, approved by the Council of Ministers based on a draft law from Justice Minister Annelies Verlinden, aims to provide a formal recognition of the bond between families and their lost children.

The new provision will apply to stillbirths occurring after a gestation period of 140 to 179 days from conception. Previously, such legal recognition was not possible, leaving many parents without a formal way to acknowledge their child's existence within the family structure.

Minister Verlinden emphasized the emotional importance of this legislative update, stating, "Stillborn children are forever part of the families in which they were born. Thanks to this draft law, this recognition will also find its place in our legislation." The move is expected to offer a measure of comfort and closure to grieving parents.

This forward-thinking legislation addresses a deeply sensitive aspect of parental loss, acknowledging that even children who do not survive infancy are integral members of their families. The ability to assign a surname provides a tangible link and a lasting tribute to the child's brief existence.

“

Stillborn children are forever part of the families in which they were born. Thanks to this draft law, this recognition will also find its place in our legislation.