The Births, Deaths and Marriages Registration Act 1998 (WA) specifies that for a stillborn baby to be legally registered, it must have reached the age of 20 weeks or weigh 400 grams if the duration of the pregnancy cannot be established.
Attorney General Michael Mischin said he had asked the registrar to allow parents who lost a child through early pregnancy loss to be given the opportunity to apply for a "recognition of loss" certificate.
"The registry has now amended its procedures so that if eligible parents choose to do so, they may apply for a certificate which acknowledges their baby's life," he said.
"I hope this new measure will offer a degree of support and comfort to those who have suffered early pregnancy loss."
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READ NOWMr Mischin said there had been consultation between WA and interstate registries as well as with stakeholders, including the West Australian branch of Stillbirth and Newborn Death Support.
The certificates will be available in two designs.
For more information, including the application form, visit dotag.wa.gov.au.