Burial and Cremation (Scotland) Act 2016 Explanatory Notes

Commentary on Sections

Part 3 – Arrangements

Pregnancy loss after 24 weeks

Section 73Section 72: health body authorised to make arrangements

194.This section applies where a still-birth occurs other than as a consequence of the pregnancy being terminated, and where the appropriate health body is authorised by virtue of section 72(2)(b) to make arrangements for the remains of the fetus to be buried or cremated. Subsection (2) enables the health body to make arrangements for the disposal. If the woman has chosen a specific manner for disposal, the health body must use that method. Subsection (3)(a) requires the health body to make the arrangements as soon as practicable after the still-birth occurs; subsection (3)(b) requires the health body to wait 7 days after the still-birth occurs before making the arrangements. This is dependent on what the woman indicates she wishes to happen. Subsection (4) provides definitions for the purposes of this section.

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