Louisiana Angels Law gives families more time with stillborn babies

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 20 Oct, 02:32 · Archive

Louisiana's Angels Law requires hospitals to have cooling devices to preserve stillborn babies' bodies, giving families more time together.

Louisiana's Angels Law requires hospitals with maternity wards and neonatal intensive care units to have cooling devices that preserve stillborn babies' bodies, allowing families additional time with their child. The law gives parents the option to spend time with their babies without being rushed into decisions while in shock.

The additional time can mean a chance to hold their baby, take photographs, make handprints and footprints, or give loved ones an opportunity to say goodbye. Lisa Rowell, who lost her daughter Juliana 13 years ago and now advocates for families experiencing stillbirth, said the cooling devices provide 'a gift of time'. She explained: 'They are meeting that person for the very first time. And unfortunately, they are not going to have all of this time. So, what happens with these cooling devices? It gives a gift of time.'

Advocates say the law is also about changing how healthcare workers support families through one of the most difficult moments of their lives. Their message during National Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month, observed in October, is simple: families experiencing loss deserve compassion, support and the chance to make their own choices.

How it is being reported

• Angels Law gives grieving families more time with babies lost to stillbirthOctober is National Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month, a time to remember babies lost and support families left grieving. In Louisiana, a new law is aimed at giving families more time with their baby.WAFB · 20 Oct, 01:36
• Angels Law gives grieving families more time with babies lost to stillbirthOctober is National Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month, a time to remember babies lost and support families left grieving. In Louisiana, a new law is aimed at giving families more time with their baby.KNOE · 20 Oct, 01:36

In this story: Louisiana · Lisa Rowell · Angels Law

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