Table 6 Factors that influence parents decision whether to have a post-mortem

Influencing Factors

 Shock and grief hinder decision making

 Perception of invasiveness of autopsy

 Explanation

 Healthcare professionals

 Family members

 Cause of death

 Transferring baby

 Time to get results

 Recurrence of risk

 Effect on next pregnancy

 Confirmation of diagnosis at pre-natal investigations

 Altruism