Carmen,
 I work in the Pathology department here and have never received a request
to photograph a fetus after we have received it in formalin.  Generally, if
the baby dies and photos are requested by the parents , the photos are
taken at or shortly after the time of death and definitely PRIOR to the
fetus being sent to Pathology.  I'm not sure how other hospitals operate
but this is what we do.

Vicki
Albany Medical Center

>>> Buttigieg Carmen at MOH <carmen.a.buttigieg@magnet.mt> 07/06/00 09:06AM >>>
Histonetters

Here in Malta, I work in the only major hospital there is, which is run by the
Government. We need to set up a policy regarding access to foetuses. We
have had
requests from the Maternity wards to allow parents to take pictures of the
foetuses which have been in formalin. They are not a pretty sight.
Their request is, that we allow a nurse to dress up the foetus, leaving
just the
face and hands showing. Then the nurse takes the foetus to the parents who
would
take the photo.
Are these things allowed in your hospitals?
Is it the logical thing to do?
Is it humane?

Please, I need some feedback.

Carmen
St. Luke's Hospital
Malta