Iowa
Parental Rights After Miscarriage (as of October 2023): In Iowa, parents have the right to the release and burial of their child. (Please note: A death certificate is mandatory if a stillbirth occurs after 20 weeks of gestation or if the baby weighs 12 ounces or more at the time of birth.)
The Compassionate Friends
If you are a member (or a friend) of a family that has suffered the death of a child, The Compassionate Friends is here to help you and provide support for the family. Feel free to contact TCF’s National Office at 877-969-0010 or nationaloffice@compassionatefriends.org if you need assistance in finding a local Chapter or you have any other questions.
Bridgehaven
Our Take Heart program offers support and connections to resources for those facing miscarriage, life-limiting prenatal diagnosis, and infant loss.
We know there are so many families who have had to walk this incredibly heartbreaking path. We want you to know we grieve with you. We see you and we know that sweet little life mattered, too. We know there will never be anything to fill the void in your heart from losing your child, but we want you to know we celebrate that life with you and honor their memory.
If you have experienced or are experiencing a miscarriage or you have received a life-limiting prenatal diagnosis, please visit the following pages to learn how we can help you during this difficult time.
Maternal Child Bereavement Program
We want to help you through this most difficult of times. We understand the love that you have for this baby. From that love will come the strength and courage you need to make it through. The Perinatal Hospice Program is here for you and your family, to help guide you through the anger, the pain and the grief that will at times seem too much to bear.
Parents with Empty Arms
Parents With Empty Arms, a facilitated, self-help support group for parents who have empty arms through the loss of a baby or young child due to ectopic pregnancy, miscarriage, stillbirth, sudden death, or terminal illness.
Share
Share offers in-person and online support groups for grieving families in Iowa.
EveryStep
Life after the loss of a loved one is a difficult time of adjustment. At EveryStep, we are honored to listen to your story and walk with you during your time of sorrow and to help you navigate the many feelings associated with loss, such as sadness, anger, frustration, shock, numbness, denial, guilt, emotional distancing, lack of interest and confidence, relationship difficulties, anxiety and panic. Please consider using these resources for more information about grief processes for different age groups.
Behold Your Child
Behold Your Child is a ministry developed by the Archdiocese of Dubuque to help provide hope and healing for parents and families who have experienced a life-limiting prenatal diagnosis, miscarriage, stillbirth, or infant death (whether recently or years ago).
Miscarriage Memorial Services
In cooperation with Des Moines area hospitals, Hamilton's offers our facilities for cremation and memorial services for families who have had a baby die prior to 20 weeks gestation. This program was started by Mercy Hospital Medical Center in April 1990, as a way to recognize and honor the lives of these tiny babies. Iowa Lutheran Hospital began offering this program in January 1993. Since then, Iowa Methodist Medical Center and Broadlawns Medical Center have also joined us in this special program.