OBJECTIVES: to determine time elapsed between birth and birth certification in Ribeirão Preto, and the event of late and delayed birth certification. METHODS: cross-sectional descriptive study based on data from the Information Technology Department of the Municipal Health Secretaria the source being a table containing information of birth certifications made in the four Notary Public Offices of the municipality. A total birth certification census was accomplished in the period from January to June 1996, totaling 4429. RESULTS: 4207 (94.99%)birth certifications were from mothers residing in Ribeirão Preto e 222 (5.01%) from other municipalities. Of the total, 3583 (80.90%) had their birth certificates with time elapsed of 60 days between birth and birth certification. There were 846 (19.10%) late certifications, with time elapsed exceeding 60 days of which 700 (82.74%) were late for they did not occur in the same year of birth representing 15.80% of the total. CONCLUSIONS: the rates of delayed and late birth certifications were considered high.
Parturition; Civil registration; Under-registration
