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A

bill

to

Amend the definition of still-birth to apply from 20 weeks into a pregnancy; and for connected purposes.

Be it enacted by the King’s most Excellent Majesty, by and with the advice and consent of the Lords Spiritual and Temporal, and Commons, in this present Parliament assembled, and by the authority of the same, as follows:—
1 Meaning of “still-born child”, etc.

In section 12 of the Births and Deaths Registration Act 1926 (definitions) and section 41 of the Births and Deaths Registration Act 1953 (interpretation), in the provisions which relate to the meaning of “still-born child” for “twenty-fourth week”, in both places where they occur, substitute “twentieth week”.
2 Meaning of “confinement” for certain social security purposes

In the Social Security Contributions and Benefits Act 1992—

 (a)

in subsection (6) of section 35 (definition of “confinement” for the purpose of maternity allowance), and

 (b)

in section 171(1) (interpretation of Part XII – statutory maternity pay), in the definition of “confinement”,

for “24 weeks” substitute “20 weeks”.
3 Extent, commencement and short title (1)

This Act extends to England and Wales only.

 (2)

This Act comes into force at the end of the period of two months beginning with the day on which it is passed.

 (3)

This Act may be cited as the Still-Birth (Definition) Act 2024.
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Ordered to be Printed, 14th October 2024.

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