Taking the child home with you

Although many hospitals do not spontaneously offer this, it is legally possible to take your child home. Depending on the canton or authorities, this is more or less complicated. Furthermore, the gestation week plays a crucial role.

In general, the following procedure should be possible in all cantons:

• You must inform the pathology department that you want to take your child home and they prepare the official documents
• Depending on the week of gestation (24SSW +), it may be necessary for you to sign the appropriate forms at your place of residence with the relevant authorities. In particular, the funeral date and the type of funeral (cremation or burial) are fixed therein as well as the transfer to the crematorium where applicable.

It is not a problem if you want to lay out your child’s body for up to a week. Keep in mind, however, that the child must be kept cool (e.g. with cool bags underneath).

• With the official documents, you should now receive the transfer documents from the pathology department so that you can transport your child home