[Histonet] Re: Disposition of fetal remains

[Temple Nancy]

Here at St. Francis Hospital in Indianapolis (Catholic hospital), fetal remains over 20 weeks are required by state law to be buried by parents. Fetal remains under 20 weeks may be buried, if parents choose. They must make arrangements with funeral home, and remains are released only to funeral home. Other fetal remains (POC specimens) are bagged together and sent to a funeral home periodically for cremation. Once a year, there is a memorial service at the funeral home, and any of the parents that want may attend. The hospital has a perinatal bereavement coordinator that handles communication with parents, etc.

Nancy Temple HT(ASCP)
Histology Supervisor
St. Francis Hospital
Indianapolis, In