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A disturbing report has come out of the United Kingdom that government-run hospitals in Britain incinerated thousands of aborted and miscarried babies in incinerators used to heat the medical facilities.
According to The Telegraph newspaper (U.K.), the remains of at least 15,500 aborted and miscarried infants were incinerated “as clinical waste, with some even used to heat hospitals, an investigation has found.” Ten hospitals connected with the British government’s National Health Service (NHS) “admitted burning fetal remains alongside other rubbish, while two others used the bodies in ‘waste-to-energy’ plants which generate power for heat,” reported the Telegraph.
The program was aired on Sunday night and thereafter the Department of Health has issued a ban on the practice across UK.
Health Minister Dr Dan Poulter said it is completely unacceptable and Human Tissue Authority has been asked to ensure taking appropriate action on the issue.
Mothers are usually told the hospital authority will cremate the babies.
Addenbrooke’s Hospital in Cambridge alone has incinerated 797 fetuses of less than 13 weeks gestation. It is one of the biggest hospitals in UK. Ipswich Hospital Trust is reported to have incinerated more than 1,000 fetal remains between 2011 and 2013. The hospital however said they are shocked to know about it as its waste-to-energy system is operated by a private contractor.
Spokeswoman of it said, “The Ipswich Hospital NHS Trust does not incinerate fetal remains.”
Chief Inspector of Hospitals Sir Mike Richards said he is disappointed with the trusts and believe the mothers are not informed about the practice.
Statement from Cambridge University Hospitals (Addenbrooke’s)
“Fetal tissue is never incinerated with clinical waste, or any other waste. Individual containers are carried by the hospital lead chaplain and the process is also witnessed by two members of staff who are specialists in bereavement care. Patients are treated with respect and sensitivity throughout this difficult time.
“The arrangements CUH has in place to dispose of fetal tissue comply with the recommendations of the Royal College of Nursing, the Human Tissue Authority, SANDS (Stillbirth and neonatal death charity) and the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists.
“We believe that communication with women and their next of kin in a compassionate, open and effective manner is very important. Trained health professionals discuss the options with the patients and families respectfully and sensitively, both verbally and in writing, and individual arrangements are organised without any difficulty. The parents are given exactly the same choice on the disposal of fetal remains as for a stillborn child and their personal wishes are respected.
“If patients or their families do have any concerns they are encouraged to contact the Patient Advice and Liaison team.”
Agencies/Canadajournal
