RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 Ethical considerations of the perinatal necropsy.
JF Journal of Medical Ethics
JO J Med Ethics
FD BMJ Publishing Group Ltd and Institute of Medical Ethics
SP 111
OP 114
DO 10.1136/jme.22.2.111
VO 22
IS 2
A1 T Y Khong
YR 1996
UL http://jme.bmj.com/content/22/2/111.abstract
AB The perinatal necropsy is an important investigation following fetal or neonatal loss. Legal requirements on registration decree that consent is needed before necropsy can proceed in some of these babies. However, there are ill-defined grey areas which are open to legal and ethical difficulties. This paper discusses the problems that can arise with consent for a necropsy in the perinatal period. Some of these problems are clearly legal or ethical but all can cause distress to parents at a time of grief and bereavement. The issues may not be readily resolved but public debate and ad hominem decisions on each perinatal loss may help to alleviate the problems.