Frequently Asked Questions
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1. Why are you asking these specific questions?
These questions are from the Mother’s Worksheet that is required by the National Center for Health Statistics when a child is born.
2. What is the National Center for Health Statistics?
The National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS) is one of 13 principal statistical agencies in the federal government. NCHS is located within the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and has been a part of the Center for Disease Control (CDC) since 1987.
3. When is this information normally collected?
This information is collected by Birth Clerks at your hospital/birthing facility after the birth of your child. This information is required by all states and NCHS in order to register the birth of the child.
4. What happens with this information?
This information is used to process the birth registration of your new child. It will be entered into the birth registration system used by your particular state and become a part of your child’s registration.
5. What if I am planning to give birth at home?
This will prepare you for a home birth as well. In order to register your child’s birth, you will have to go to a local registrar. At the registrar’s office, you will be asked to fill out the mother’s worksheet. You will be able to print this information from the website and take it with you.
6. Is the commemorative birth certificate a legal proof of birth?
No. The commemorative birth certificate is intended solely as a decoration or keep sake. The commemorative birth certificate cannot be used as a legal proof of identity. Legal proof of identity must be done with a certified birth certificate.
7. Why should I order a certified birth certificate?
There are numerous times during your child’s life that a certified copy of the birth certificate will be needed. A few examples are that certified copies are needed for school registration, passport application, etc.