Addressing Barriers to Autopsy and Genetic Testing in Stillbirth Workup

Abstract

The cause of death in many stillbirths remains unexplained, in part because of systematic barriers to complete workup. We review the importance of placental pathology, fetal autopsy, and genetic testing in stillbirth workup. Placental pathology is useful in 65% of stillbirths, and fetal autopsy is useful in 42%. Currently, only 21% of stillbirths in the United States undergo autopsy. Barriers to complete stillbirth workup include cost of autopsy and genetic testing, availability of perinatal pathology expertise, health care professional knowledge about workup, and availability of skilled counseling to support bereaved parents in making decisions about autopsy and genetic workup. We propose solutions to overcome these barriers, including policy changes to expand access and a framework for high-quality patient counseling and decision support.