Sensitive Disposal of Fetal Remains and Miscarriage Support Groups Flashcards
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?
No
What are pregnancy remains regarded as under the Human Tissue Act?
Tissue of the woman
What is the result of pregnancy remains being regarded as tissue of the woman under the Human Tissue Act?
Consent is not required for the disposal of pregnancy remains
What is important given the sensitive nature of the issue when dealing with pregnancy remains?
The wishes of the woman and her understanding of the options available to her
What are the options available for the disposal of fetal remains?
- Cremation
- Burial
- Incineration
When should incineration be used as the method of disposal of fetal remains?
- If the woman makes this choice
- Does not want to be involved in the decision
- Does not express an opinion within the stated timescale
If incineration is uses as the method of disposal of fetal remains, how should this be done?
Sensitive incineration, separate from clinical waste
In what forms should information be given to the woman regarding disposal of fetal remains?
Verbal and written advice, and given the opportunity to discuss them
What explanation should be given, regarding if she does not want to make a decision?
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
What should happen if a woman does not want to know about disposal of pregnancy remains or be involved in discussions about disposal?
This decision should be respected
What needs relating to disposal of pregnancy remains should be met wherever possible?
- Personal
- Religious
- Cultural
Give an example of a religious need relating to disposal of pregnancy remains
In Islamic teachings, all pregnancy remains must be buried
What are babies born dead after the 24th week of gestation defined as by law?
Stillbirths
Why is the distinction of stillbirth important?
Because they must be registered as stillbirths
Are late terminations after 24 weeks considered to be stillbirths?
yes
What does common law require regarding stillbirths?
They must be buried or cremated
Who does the legal duty to make funeral arrangements following stillbirth lie with?
The parents
What is good practice, regarding the funeral arrangement for stillbirths?
Hospitals to offer to arrange and pay towards burial and cremation
What should be done if a parent chooses for the hospital to arrange the funeral for their stillbirth?
They should be given the opportunity to attend the ceremony
What should be offered after miscarriage if a woman or their partner is having problems coping with grief?
Further treatment and counselling
What support groups exist for miscarriage?
- Miscarriage Association
- Cruse Bereavement Centre
What do the Miscarriage Association offer?
Support to people that have lost a baby
What services do the Miscarriage Association have?
- Helpline
- Put people in touch with support volunteer
What do the Cruse Bereavement Centre do?
Helps people understand their grief and cope with their loss
What services do the Cruse Bereavement Centre have?
- Helpline
- Network of local branches
