With whom does a funeral director file a certificate of fetal death?

A certificate of fetal death is an important legal document that provides official recognition of the death of a fetus. In Iowa, the correct procedure involves filing this certificate with the state registrar. The state registrar is responsible for maintaining vital records, which includes birth and death certificates. By filing with the state registrar, the funeral director ensures that the death is formally recorded in the state's vital statistics system. This process is essential for statistical monitoring of fetal death rates, public health research, and for providing the parents with official documentation of their loss.

The other entities mentioned, such as county clerks or local health departments, do not have the responsibility of maintaining the official records for fetal death. Although local health departments may be involved in health statistics and regulations, they do not serve as the primary repository for such vital records. Similarly, while federal health agencies collect data related to public health, they do not handle the direct filing of state-level certificates. Thus, the procedure is specifically designed for the state registrar to maintain accurate and comprehensive records for the agency overseeing vital statistics at the state level.