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Does Jewish Law command a funeral and burial for a stillborn or miscarried baby?

From Lisa Katz, About.com Guide

Rabbi Ari Enkin

Rabbi Ari Enkin

Question: Does Jewish Law command a funeral and burial for a stillborn or miscarried baby?

Dear Rabbi,
I have a disease in which makes it very difficult to carry a child to term. My doctor says that it is likely that I will miscarry a few times before giving birth to a live infant. My doctor says that I will most likely miscarry in my second or third trimester when the fetus has developed. Does Jewish law command that I hold a funeral and bury my stillborn or miscarried infant? And how early into the pregnancy if I miscarry do I hold a burial? I want to do what it is right by G-d and my child.
Thank you, Tiffany

Answer: Dear Tiffany,

Any fetus over 40 days old should be buried. While there are circumstances when this may not be possible, one must make the effort when reasonable. Your local Chevra Kadisha (burial society) can help you with this.

I want to wish you every blessing and success in general, and for bringing children into the world in particular.

Rabbi Ari Enkin
Ramat Beit Shemesh, Israel
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