Stillbirth, Bereavement Leave & Grant

Midwives, doctors and other healthcare professionals assist and guide parents in the event of stillbirth or miscarriage.

"Gleym mér ei" ("Forget me not") is a non-profitable organisation to help parents who have lost a child during pregnancy or during/after birth.

If parents wish, they may have a priest who provides them with advice on coffin-laying and funerals, presents support groups for parents who have lost children and offers blessings in connection with the naming of the child.

Bereavement Leave & Grant

Bereavement leave is for parents in the labour market who suffer the loss of a child under 18 years of age. The Act on Bereavement Leave takes effect on January 1st 2023, and applies to parents who lose their child on January 1st or later, per Act on Bereavement Leave No. 77/2022.

Bereavement grant is for parents who are studying full-time or not participating in the labour market, or in an employment ratio less than 25% and suffer the loss of a child under 18 years of age. The Act on Bereavement Grant takes effect on January 1st 2023, and applies to parents who suffer the loss of a child on January 1st or later.

Information and applications for bereavement leave & grant, The Directorate of Labour

Certificate of death

A healthcare practitioner shall report a stillbirth to the National Registry and the The Directorate of Health

A death certificate is not issued for a stillborn child, so the birth is not reported to the District commissioner.