There is little doubt that a full autopsy carried out by a perinatal pathologist, and supported by the techniques described in this review, remains the best method of investigating perinatal death. The authors discuss clearly the limitations of all other techniques, which, although capable of giving much useful information, have not yet been validated adequately against the properly performed perinatal autopsy. Permission for this procedure should be sought after all pregnancy losses and neonatal deaths.

Despite its importance, neonatal autopsy rates have been falling.¹ There are many reasons for this but of most concern is the possible decline in healthcare professionals’ understanding of its value. Recent controversies have made asking for an autopsy soon after birth even more stressful. Many may believe that, with better investigative techniques before death, the diagnosis is already known, and therefore either do …