How do I resolve a "stillborn" data problem in Family Tree?

Article Id: 1677
February 25, 2022

Family Tree displays the "Stillborn Problem" data problem (a red exclamation point icon) when a person's record contains a Stillborn event and the birth and death events indicate that he or she lived for more than a year after birth. You cannot dismiss this data problem.

For example, the Stillborn Problem error would appear if a person's record contained the following information:
Birth date: 18 January 1845
Death date: 29 April 1846
Stillborn: 18 January 1845

Steps (website)


  1. Figure out whether the child was born dead. This may require research. It may require correcting a typing mistake.
  2. If the child lived for a short time after birth, or if there is no evidence that the child was born dead, do the following:
    • Birth and death events. Make sure the dates and places are accurate.
    • Stillborn event. Delete it. If the event does not contain a Delete option, add stillborn again in the Other Information section first. Then delete it. 
  3. If the child was born dead, make these corrections:
    • Birth and death events. Make sure they contain the same date and place.
    • Stillborn event. Keep it. Optional: Edit to add a date and place that matches the birth and death events. If you cannot add date and place, add stillborn again with the new data.
  4. Explain the reasons for your changes, and provide as much evidence as possible:
    • Add reason statements for every change. Explain how you know that what you are changing is correct.
    • Attach sources. Provide evidence that the changes you made are accurate.
    • Add notes. If more explanation is needed, add a note.

Steps (mobile app)

The Family Tree mobile app does not display the Stillborn data problem. However, you can make the needed corrections to the birth, death, and stillborn events.

Steps (Family Tree Lite)

Family Tree Lite app does not display the Stillborn data problem. However, you can make the needed corrections to the birth and death events. If you need to add, edit, or delete a Stillborn event, you will need to use Family Tree on the full website or use the Family Tree mobile app.

How do I correct Other Information in Family Tree?
How do I add stillborn or miscarried infants in Family Tree?

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