Brigham Accused: Fetal Remains Discarded Against Wishes

Brigham and Women's Hospital faces lawsuits from five families who claim their deceased infants' remains were improperly disposed of against their wishes. The first reported incident involved baby Everleigh in July 2020, whose remains were reportedly misplaced and accidentally discarded by a pathologist. Subsequent complaints arose, including a case in March 2021 where a couple's 24-week-old fetus's remains were disposed of despite the family's arrangements.

In January 2022, a New Hampshire woman, identified as Kelly, experienced a similar loss, with her daughter's remains reportedly misplaced and discarded by the hospital. This marked the fifth such case brought forth through legal action within an 18-month timeframe. Legal representatives for the families allege the hospital failed to adequately address these repeated failures through training or policy changes.

In response to the ongoing concerns, Brigham and Women's Hospital stated its processes are continually evaluated. Last year, the hospital revised its consent forms for the disposition of fetal remains to more clearly state that families must pick up remains within 14 days, or the hospital will handle them, a change from the previous requirement to simply 'make arrangements'. The hospital expressed deep sorrow for the families' experiences.