In June 2026, a new Hawai‘i law went into effect that updates the requirements for reporting fetal deaths, including miscarriages, second- and third-trimester stillbirths, and terminations.

To ensure healthcare professionals and community partners are aware of these changes, the Hawai‘i Department of Health (DOH) is hosting this statewide training day to provide important information and updates on:

·         Hawai‘i’s new fetal death reporting requirements

·         Birth certificates

·         Death certificates for non-fetal cases

·         Best practices for providing compassionate bereavement care to families experiencing pregnancy loss

The afternoon portion of the training day will include a special breakout session featuring the IMPROVE Stillbirth Training Workshop, presented by the University of Utah’s Stillbirth Center of Excellence.

This approximately five-hour, hands-on workshop is designed to help healthcare providers strengthen their knowledge and skills in investigating the causes of fetal death. Participants will rotate through six small-group learning stations covering:

·         Communicating with parents about perinatal autopsy

·         Autopsy and placental examination

·         Investigation of Stillbirth

·         Examination of babies who die in the perinatal period 

·         Perinatal mortality and audit classification

·         Respectful and culturally responsive care

There is no fee to attend the DOH Training Day or the IMPROVE workshop. Travel scholarships are available for neighbor island participants to help support their attendance. 

Map of Tapa Tower