Which of the following records are included in vital records?

Vital records encompass a range of official documents that are essential for tracking significant life events. The correct answer includes certificates of birth, death, fetal death, marriage, and annulment, which are all recognized as vital records.

In Iowa, as in many other jurisdictions, vital records serve the purpose of providing proof of essential life events for individuals. Birth certificates verify the birth of a person, death certificates record the death, fetal death certificates acknowledge the loss of a fetus, and marriage and annulment certificates document the union or dissolution of a marriage. These records are often required for legal, medical, and administrative purposes, making them crucial for both individuals and governmental entities.

Other choices reflect a limited scope of what constitutes vital records, focusing solely on marriage certificates, birth certificates, or divorce decrees individually, which does not encapsulate the broader range of significant life events that vital records cover.