FOI reference: FOI-2026-3790
You asked
I have come across research suggesting that deaths are higher than expected on people's birthdays, but I have been unable to find equivalent figures for the UK.
I would be grateful if you could advise whether the following data is held by the ONS and whether it could be provided as an anonymised aggregate dataset.
Under the Freedom of Information Act 2000, I request the following information:
The number of deaths in England and Wales that occurred on the deceased person's exact date of birth, ideally for each calendar year from 2015 to 2025.
The total number of deaths over the same period, so that birthday deaths can be calculated as a proportion of all deaths.
A geographical breakdown by region, London borough and English county, where available.
If possible, the number of deaths occurring within seven days before and after the deceased person's birthday, to help establish whether there is a wider pattern.
Any suitable comparison data or methodology that would allow me to determine whether deaths on birthdays occur more frequently than would be expected by chance.
I am interested in the date the death actually occurred, rather than the date it was registered.
We said
Thank you for your request.
We have not identified any existing ONS analysis, comparison dataset or methodology specifically assessing whether deaths occur more frequently on birthdays than would be expected by chance.
However, we can create a custom output showing the number of deaths where the day and month of death matched the day and month of birth for deaths occurring in each year from 2015 to 2025, as well as the number of deaths occurring seven days either side of the deceased's birthday via our User Requested Data Service. These services are subject to legal frameworks, disclosure control, resources and agreements of costs in line with our Charging Policy. As this information is reasonably accessible via another route, even if only accessible on payment, Section 21(2)(a) of the Freedom of Information Act 2000 (FOIA) applies.
Further information on which geographical breakdowns are available will be provided by the health data team in line with our disclosure control policy.
To request this bespoke output and obtain details of any applicable charges, please contact Health.Data@ons.gov.uk.