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Can stillborn babies be cremated?
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When
a pregnancy is terminated after 20 weeks gestation the baby is
classified as a stillborn. It is a legislative requirement that certain forms be
completed to enable a stillborn to be cremated.
Application for cremation of a stillborn child is made on the
appropriate form to a medical referee, usually by the child’s
nearest surviving relative |
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If
the pregnancy is terminated prior to 20 weeks there is no
legislative requirement for cremation. The crematorium usually requires a letter from the family and
from the attending doctor or midwife setting out the circumstances
of the termination. |
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In
both cases, there will be very little ashes remaining and, depending
on the size of the baby or length of the pregnancy, there may be no
remains at all. |
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Most
cemeteries and crematoria have special sections for children.
Contact your chosen cemetery or crematoria for advice. |