What is the legal definition of a stillbirth according to the Births, Deaths and Marriages Act?

The correct answer reflects the legal definition of stillbirth as outlined in the Births, Deaths and Marriages Act, which specifies that a stillbirth occurs when a baby is born from at least 21 weeks of gestation and does not show any signs of life. This definition is critical because it establishes a clear gestational age as the threshold for classifying an event as a stillbirth, ensuring consistency in reporting and statistical data regarding perinatal outcomes.

When a baby reaches the 21-week mark, it signals a point in gestation where significant development has occurred, and the absence of life indicators—such as breathing or heartbeat—serves as the determining factor for classification. This definition plays an essential role in legal, medical, and epidemiological contexts, impacting policies related to maternal and newborn health.

The other choices do not align with the legal framework. For example, defining stillbirth as a baby born dead weighing less than 400 grams does not address the gestational age factor and might overlook instances where higher weight and maturity also equate to stillbirth. Meanwhile, the option regarding survival for at least 30 minutes contradicts the definition of stillbirth, as it refers to the life status after birth instead of the circumstances leading to the