In legal terms, what does 'stillborn' imply?

The term 'stillborn' is specifically defined as a fetal death that occurs prior to the complete expulsion or extraction from the mother's body. This means that the fetus has died in utero and is delivered without any signs of life. This definition is critical in medical and legal contexts as it helps to distinguish stillbirth from other types of births related to live infants or fetal demise occurring during labor.

Understanding this term is important, especially in the realms of healthcare policies, birth registries, and funeral practices, as it can affect how cases are recorded and what protocols are followed after such a birth. The clarity surrounding 'stillborn' is essential for correctly handling the accompanying emotional, legal, and procedural aspects involved in such sensitive situations.