Status of miscarried fetus - Nishmat Yoatzot Halacha

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Status of miscarried fetus

November 16, 2014

Question

I'm unfortunately going through a miscarriage (about 9 weeks pregnant). What happens if I find a big clot or even the sac on toilet paper? Can I just flush it down, or does it have the status of a baby and should be kept and buried?

Answer

We are sorry to hear of your miscarriage.

A miscarried fetus needs to be buried if it is recognizable as a fetus. This usually occurs if the miscarriage takes place after approximately five months gestation.

Therefore, in your situation you may flush down the toilet any tissue or clots that you expel.

We wish you a refuat hanefesh u'refuat haguf!