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Despite the frequency of stillbirths, the subsequent implications are overlooked and underappreciated. We present findings from comprehensive, systematic literature reviews, and new analyses of published and unpublished data, to establish the effect of stillbirth on parents, families, health-care providers, and societies worldwide. Data for direct costs of this event are sparse but suggest that a stillbirth needs more resources than a livebirth, both in the perinatal period and in additional surveillance during subsequent pregnancies. Indirect and intangible costs of stillbirth are extensive and are usually met by families alone. This issue is particularly onerous for those with few resources. Negative effects, particularly on parental mental health, might be moderated by empathic attitudes of care providers and tailored interventions. The value of the baby, as well as the associated costs for parents, families, care providers, communities, and society, should be considered to prevent stillbirths and reduce associated morbidity.

Efforts to achieve the new worldwide goals for maternal and child survival will also prevent stillbirth and improve health and developmental outcomes. However, the number of annual stillbirths remains unchanged since 2011 and is unacceptably high: an estimated 2·6 million in 2015. Failure to consistently include global targets or indicators for stillbirth in post-2015 initiatives shows that stillbirths are hidden in the worldwide agenda. This Series paper summarises findings from previous papers in this Series, presents new analyses, and proposes specific criteria for successful integration of stillbirths into post-2015 initiatives for women's and children's health. Five priority areas to change the stillbirth trend include intentional leadership; increased voice, especially of women; implementation of integrated interventions with commensurate investment; indicators to measure effect of interventions and especially to monitor progress; and investigation into crucial knowledge gaps. The post-2015 agenda represents opportunities for all stakeholders to act together to end all preventable deaths, including stillbirths. Fil: de Bernis, Luc. UN Population Fund; Suiza Fil: Kinney, Mary V.. Save the Children; Sudáfrica Fil: Stones, William. University of St. Andrews; Reino Unido. University of Malawi; Malaui. International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics; Reino Unido Fil: ten Hoope-Bender, Petra. Independent Consultant; Suiza Fil: Vivio, Donna. Agency for International Development; Estados Unidos Fil: Hopkins Leisher, Susannah. International Stillbirth Alliance; Estados Unidos. University of Queensland; Australia Fil: Bhutta, Zulfiqar A.. The Hospital for Sick Children; Canadá. The Aga Khan University, Karachi; Pakistán. World Health Organization; Suiza Fil: Gülmezoglu, Metin. World Health Organization; Suiza Fil: Mathai, Matthews. World Health Organization; Suiza Fil: Belizan, Jose. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Parque Centenario. Centro de Investigaciones en Epidemiología y Salud Pública. Instituto de Efectividad Clínica y Sanitaria. Centro de Investigaciones en Epidemiología y Salud Pública; Argentina Fil: Franco, Lynne. EnCompass LLC; Estados Unidos Fil: McDougall, Lori. Newborn and Child Health; Suiza Fil: Zeitlin, Jennifer. Paris Descartes University; Francia Fil: Malata, Address. Kamuzu College of Nursing University of Malawi; Malaui Fil: Dickson, Kim E.. UNICEF; Estados Unidos Fil: Lawn, Joy E.. London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine; Reino Unido. Save the Children; Estados Unidos