Rights of the Parents and Infants
Rights of parents when an infant dies
- To be given the opportunity to see, hold, and touch their infant at anytime before and after death, within reason.
- To have photos taken of their infant, and made available or held in a secure place until parents are ready.
- To be given as many mementos as possible such as crib card, locks of hair, foot and hand prints, blankets, hats, etc.
- To name their child and bond with him or her.
- Observe all cultural and religious practices.
- To be cared for by empathetic staff who will respect their feelings, thoughts, beliefs, and individual requests.
- To not be separated from infant until ready.
- To request or deny an autopsy or pathology examination as determined by applicable law.
- To have information presented in understandable terminology regarding their infants status and cause of death.
- To plan a farewell ritual, burial, or cremation in compliance with local regulations, and religious or cultural beliefs.
- To be provided with information on resources that assist with the healing process such as support groups, counseling, and reading material.
Rights of the infant
- To be recognized as a person who was born and has died.
- To be named
- To be seen, touched, and held by the family.
- To have the end of life acknowledged
- To be put to rest with dignity.