*Warning Sensitive Topic* Laws regarding stillborns?

Question

I thought I better put a warning in the topic header as this is a very sensitive subject.
I was wondering if someone could tell me if it is required by law to bury a stillborn baby? What about a pre-term fetus?
At what gestational age does a fetus need a death certificate issued? What happens if you can't afford to bury the remains, where do they go?
I know these are such morbid questions but, I was always curious about it and I didn't want to ask anybody in fear of offending them.
Thanks!

Answer 1

its a state by state issue

Stillborns, in most states are considered "babies" who died at birth, so they will be issued a birth and death certificate. And its up to the parents on how they want to bury (or cremate) their loved one.

No death certificate is issued unless the baby is considered born.

So any 'aborted' fetuses are not considered babies, and are not given death certificates.

Answer 2

There is no federal law regarding the status of still born fetuses that I'm aware of.

The laws for states and counties would vary too much for a single answer.