Description of
the right

In the event of pregnancy or infant loss, the healthcare establishment is responsible for caring for your baby’s body after providing final care.

If the baby weighs more than 500 g or is at least 20 weeks old, a death or stillbirth form is completed by the healthcare provider and must be signed by the mother, father or other parent.

You have the right to choose the funeral option that suits you. Depending on your choice, the care environment or a funeral home will guide you through the steps to follow.

If you want to know more about the cause of death, you can request an autopsy as long as your baby’s body is not cremated or buried. The autopsy is performed at the hospital and has no impact on the funeral option. Autopsy results may take several months. You have the right to be accompanied by a person of your choice while reading the autopsy report.

You may accept or refuse an autopsy when it is recommended by the healthcare team.

Losing a baby is a difficult event. Help is available if needed.

Civil Code of Quebec: sections 42 and 48

Funeral Operations Act: sections 2 and 4

Regulation respecting biomedical waste: section 5

Minister’s Regulation under the Public Health Act: sections 3 and 4

Civil Code of Quebec: sections 14, 46 and 47

Coroners Act: section 73

Act respecting social services and health services: section 11