Parents who have suffered an early pregnancy loss should have the opportunity:

• To contact their partners or other support persons immediately.

• To be given the choice to see their baby, no matter how small.

• To have procedures for the ending of the pregnancy explained to them and to be offered the one that best suits their needs.

• To be reminded that their baby may be tested and examined, even if the loss occurs at home.

• To be given a keepsake of their baby to take home or for the hospital or doctor's office to keep on file, such as a sonogram picture or a positive pregnancy test result.

• To receive pastoral care.

• To name their baby if they wish to.

• To receive information on burial or memorial services and the options concerning the disposition of their baby's remains.

• To have the grieving process explained and to be provided with written information on bereavement, especially the telephone number of a local support group, such as SHARE.

• To receive guidance on how to help their children at home cope with the pregnancy loss.

• To have a phone number of a staff person to call if medical questions arise or if parents need emotional support or referral information for further help.

• To receive follow-up appointments for medical tests and genetic counseling or to review lab test results.

• To be asked about their feelings concerning their loss. This is an amazingly helpful gesture and it encourages the parents to talk about their loss if they wish to.