The Registration of Births and Deaths (Amendment) Regulations 1994

Explanatory Note

(This note is not part of the Regulations)

These Regulations make minor amendments to the Registration of Births and Deaths Regulations 1987.

The definition of “maiden surname” is amended to make it clear that such a term cannot apply to a woman who has never married.

The forms prescribed for the registration of live-births and still-births and their associated declarations, the declaration and statement for the re-registration of a birth and the form of certificate of registration of birth are amended so as to delete any reference to an NHS number, to insert a specific reference to the occupation of the mother and to make other minor changes in layout. Corresponding amendments are made to the regulations dealing with the particulars to be registered on birth and on re-registration of the birth of a legitimated person. In relation to registration of a still birth (including one after an inquest) an entry is prescribed as to the mother’s occupation and, more clearly than previously, for any name or names given to a such a child. Provision is also made for the correction of any minor error in the particulars relating to the occupation of the mother.

These amendments, amongst other changes, implement proposals 4.5 and 4.21 of the White Paper “Registration: proposals for change” (Cm 939) published in January 1990.

These amendments impose no costs on business.