Disposal arrangements for fetuses lost in the second trimester

In 1986, 28 consultant pathologists with a special paediatric or perinatal interest in the UK and Irish Republic supplied information on current disposal methods for fetuses lost in the second trimester (12-28 weeks gestation) and the facilities available to parents. In over half the hospitals surveyed no single method of disposal was employed, but most of the fetuses were incinerated. In six hospitals all fetuses were either buried or cremated; 25 hospitals had facilities for photography and 24 made special religious services available. Other facilities available in some centres included the provision of blessing cards and a 'remembrance book' and the appointment of a bereavement counsellor. In five of the local crematoria or cemeteries a special plot of land was reserved for stillbirths and younger fetuses. The relative costs of these facilities are discussed.