ABSTRACT
Stillbirth is a devastating event not only for the baby, but also for the mother and father, the wider family, the health service, and the community as a whole. However, the significance of the loss and its effect on the grieving mother or parents is often underrated. There is increasing evidence that many deaths are potentially preventable, and stillbirth rates are starting to be recognized as an important indicator of the quality of care.(1) A suitable classification system is central to any effort to reduce its incidence.
