Schönau offers star children a new burial ground - a memorial is created

Schönau offers star children a new burial ground - a memorial is created

Today an important step is being announced for affected families in Schönau: a specially designed burial field for “star children” is to be created in the local cemetery. The local government association passed this decision unanimously. This decision shows how important it is to give a dignified place to the deceased children, who often do not receive the recognition they deserve. The new star field is expected to be completed this fall to give families the opportunity to have their stillborn children buried there who are not currently covered by the burial obligation.

In Germany there are specific regulations for dealing with star children. According to burial obligations, the legal situation varies depending on the federal state. For example, in Hamburg, Berlin and Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, burial is only mandatory if the child weighs one kilogram or more, while in Hesse, burial is only mandatory after the 25th week of pregnancy. However, there is no obligation to bury children with a birth weight of less than 500 grams. In many cases, parents are obliged to organize the funeral themselves and cover the costs, which represents an additional burden for severely affected families. This basic information is available on the Schütz Funeral website, which also supports families in organizing the funeral.

A place of memory

The new star field in Schönau will not only provide a place for burial, but will also include a memorial stele where relatives can leave something for their deceased children. This is an important way to maintain the memory of those who were often buried without a formal burial. The fee for the burial of star children was set at 60 euros, which is important in the context of the possible financial burdens on the parents of star children.

The Schütz Funeral Services website also points out the different ways in which star children can find a place at other times. In some cities and clinics, so-called collective burials are organized, in which several children are buried together if the parents are not financially able to declare an individual burial place. These issues are extremely relevant and require a sensitive approach and understanding of the grief of the families affected.

Support for affected families

Various organizations offer support to deal with the grief of losing a child. One example is the “Blue Butterfly” project, which was launched by IDA and GRAVITAS. Help is offered here to families who have to say goodbye after stillbirths. The initiative is supported by the sale of a painted wooden coffin, the proceeds of which go to the affected families. There are also special grief groups in cities like Karlsruhe that offer a space for exchange and support.

The changed regulations and the construction of the new burial field in Schönau are not only a step in the right direction to give star children an appropriate place, but also an important message to society that every life, no matter how short, is valued and honored. Support for affected families is essential to make it easier to deal with this painful loss and to accompany the grieving process.