New Hampshire requires fetal death reports within five days

A fetal death report must be filed within five days. This covers fetal deaths in New Hampshire that meet the definition in state law. Facilities that regularly prepare birth records file reports online. For other cases, the responsible facility leader or attending doctor, advanced practice nurse, or physician assistant sends a paper worksheet to the state immediately. The state then files the report online. These filing rules took effect June 6, 2026.

A fetal death report must include delivery, family, and health information. These fields apply to fetal death reports covered by New Hampshire law. The report includes the father's or other parent's information if available. Parents may choose a name for the fetus; otherwise, the report uses a standard label. These report rules took effect June 6, 2026.

An unwed mother must use a signed form to add the father's information to a fetal death report. This applies when an unwed mother wants the father's name and information added to the report. The mother and father sign. The mother's partner also signs if they agree they are not a biological parent. A parent or guardian signs for any signer who is a minor. A notary, an official who verifies signatures, must verify the required signatures. These form rules took effect June 6, 2026.

The person handling fetal remains must request a parent's written choice about how to dispose of them. The written request applies to whoever takes responsibility for disposing of fetal remains. A burial permit must be completed when disposal happens outside a hospital or institution. Cremation outside a hospital requires the medical examiner's approval first. The permit must reach the town or city clerk within six calendar days after disposal. These rules took effect June 6, 2026.