[16] Sensitive Disposal of Fetal Remains and Miscarriage Support Groups

Question 1

Does the Human Tissue Act (2004) make a distinction between the disposal of pregnancy remains and the disposal of other tissue from a living person?

Answer 1

No

Question 2

What are pregnancy remains regarded as under the Human Tissue Act?

Answer 2

Tissue of the woman

Question 3

What is the result of pregnancy remains being regarded as tissue of the woman under the Human Tissue Act?

Answer 3

Consent is not required for the disposal of pregnancy remains

Question 4

What is important given the sensitive nature of the issue when dealing with pregnancy remains?

Answer 4

The wishes of the woman and her understanding of the options available to her

Question 5

What are the options available for the disposal of fetal remains?

Answer 5

• Cremation
• Burial
• Incineration

Question 6

When should incineration be used as the method of disposal of fetal remains?

Answer 6

• If the woman makes this choice
• Does not want to be involved in the decision
• Does not express an opinion within the stated timescale

Question 7

If incineration is uses as the method of disposal of fetal remains, how should this be done?

Answer 7

Sensitive incineration, separate from clinical waste

Question 8

In what forms should information be given to the woman regarding disposal of fetal remains?

Answer 8

Verbal and written advice, and given the opportunity to discuss them

Question 9

What explanation should be given, regarding if she does not want to make a decision?

Answer 9

How the pregnancy remains will be disposed of if she does not want to make a decision and would prefer for the hospital to handle the matter

Question 10

What should happen if a woman does not want to know about disposal of pregnancy remains or be involved in discussions about disposal?

Answer 10

This decision should be respected

Question 11

What needs relating to disposal of pregnancy remains should be met wherever possible?

Answer 11

• Personal
• Religious
• Cultural

Question 12

Give an example of a religious need relating to disposal of pregnancy remains

Answer 12

In Islamic teachings, all pregnancy remains must be buried

Question 13

What are babies born dead after the 24th week of gestation defined as by law?

Answer 13

Stillbirths

Question 14

Why is the distinction of stillbirth important?

Answer 14

Because they must be registered as stillbirths

Question 15

Are late terminations after 24 weeks considered to be stillbirths?

Answer 15

yes

Question 16

What does common law require regarding stillbirths?

Answer 16

They must be buried or cremated

Question 17

Who does the legal duty to make funeral arrangements following stillbirth lie with?

Answer 17

The parents

Question 18

What is good practice, regarding the funeral arrangement for stillbirths?

Answer 18

Hospitals to offer to arrange and pay towards burial and cremation

Question 19

What should be done if a parent chooses for the hospital to arrange the funeral for their stillbirth?

Answer 19

They should be given the opportunity to attend the ceremony

Question 20

What should be offered after miscarriage if a woman or their partner is having problems coping with grief?

Answer 20

Further treatment and counselling

Question 21

What support groups exist for miscarriage?

Answer 21

• Miscarriage Association

- Cruse Bereavement Centre

Question 22

What do the Miscarriage Association offer?

Answer 22

Support to people that have lost a baby

Question 23

What services do the Miscarriage Association have?

Answer 23

• Helpline

- Put people in touch with support volunteer

Question 24

What do the Cruse Bereavement Centre do?

Answer 24

Helps people understand their grief and cope with their loss

Question 25

What services do the Cruse Bereavement Centre have?

Answer 25

• Helpline

- Network of local branches