New Zealand is launching a new, empathetic system to register stillbirths, reducing trauma for grieving families.

New Zealand is overhauling its stillbirth registration process to reduce emotional distress for grieving families. Currently, parents use the same online system for live births, which many find inappropriate. Starting soon, stillbirths will be registered through Whetūrangitia, a dedicated, culturally safe website designed with empathy and support. Funded by Health NZ, the new system aims to honor bereaved parents’ dignity, connect them with care services, and ease the burden of administrative tasks during a painful time. Each year, around 700 to 900 families experience stillbirth, with tens of thousands more affected by early pregnancy loss.