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My wife and I are cradle Catholics. In July of 1980 my wife miscarried in our first pregnancy and had a (D and C) performed at a Catholic hospital. Our question is:
What do they do with the body of this soul after such a procedure.
We assume the body had a Christian burial, but we were never informed about it.
Stanley
{ After my wife had a miscarried and D and C, what do they do with the body of the soul? }
Eric replied:
Stanley —
My apologies for the very late response.
This is more of a medical question than something under our scope.
I do not think they bury the body but dispose of it as "medical waste".
In the context of Catholic teaching, the treatment of the remains of a deceased unborn child, including those resulting from a miscarriage or a dilation and curettage (D&C) procedure, is approached with great respect and dignity. The Church emphasizes the sanctity of human life from conception, and this extends to the remains of unborn children.
Respect for the Remains.
Dignity of the Unborn: The Catholic Church teaches that human life is sacred and inviolable, which includes the life of the unborn. Therefore, the remains of a child lost through miscarriage or abortion must be treated with the same respect afforded to any human remains. (1)
Proper Disposition: The Church prefers burial as the most fitting way to express faith and hope in the resurrection of the body. This preference is rooted in the belief in the resurrection and the dignity of the human body2. While cremation is permissible, it is essential that the ashes are treated with respect and not scattered or kept inappropriately. (2)
Procedures Following a D&C.
Handling of Remains: In a Catholic hospital, the remains from a D&C procedure should be handled with care. The hospital staff is typically guided by the Church's teachings regarding the proper disposition of such remains. This may involve burial or cremation, depending on the circumstances and the policies of the institution.
Notification and Arrangements: It is important for parents to be informed about the options available for the remains of their child. If the hospital did not provide information regarding burial or cremation, it may be beneficial for parents to inquire directly with the hospital's administration or the chaplaincy services. They can provide guidance on how the remains were treated and what options are available for memorialization or burial.
Christian Burial.
Burial Practices: If a burial is arranged, it is typically done in a manner that reflects the Church's respect for the deceased. This may include a small grave marker or a designated area within a cemetery for the burial of unborn children.
Memorial Services: Some families may choose to hold a memorial service to honor the life of their child, even if the child was not born alive. This can be a significant part of the grieving process and can help parents find closure.
Conclusion.
In summary, the remains of a child lost through miscarriage, or a D&C procedure should be treated with the utmost respect in accordance with Catholic teaching. Parents are encouraged to seek information from the hospital regarding the handling of remains and to explore options for burial or memorialization. The Church's commitment to the dignity of all human life underscores the importance of honoring the memory of the unborn.
