Post mortem examination (autopsy)

Your doctor may suggest that a post mortem of your baby is carried out. There are several reasons for this:

• The cause of your baby's death may not be known, and therefore a death certificate cannot be issued.
• The doctor may consider that more information is needed before the death is certified.
  In both the above cases, you have no choice and cannot withhold your consent.
• The doctor may wish to find out more about why your baby died, both to help you and maybe other parents.
• You do not have to consent to a post mortem in this case.
• You may feel that you want a post mortem carried out so that you know as much as possible about why your baby died. If a post mortem is not offered, and you feel it is important to you, talk to the ward sister.

You give your consent to a post mortem by signing a form. Again, there is no rush and you need to take your time. By law, only one parent's signature is required but both mother and father can sign if they wish.

If you are unsure as to whether you want a post mortem, you may want to speak to the hospital pediatrician for advice. You may want to know the possible outcome of the post mortem, as sometimes the results are inconclusive. There may also be some delay before a post mortem can be carried out, so you may want to know how long you would have to wait. You may like to know where the post mortem would be carried out, as not all hospitals have the special facilities needed. Your baby may have to be taken elsewhere, but will be brought back to you as soon as possible after the examination is completed. Make sure that you will be able to discuss the results of any post mortem with a doctor, and that you know how and when you will get the results.

If you are worried about any damage to your baby during a post mortem, please speak with the paediatrician to get reassurance. Sadly it is not always possible for you to hold your baby after a post mortem.