Commentary on Sections Pregnancy loss on or before 24 weeks Section 81 – Individual authorised to make arrangements
213.Subsection (1) of section 81 sets out that the section applies where an individual has been authorised to make arrangements for the disposal of remains under section 79(2)(b). Subsection (2) allows the individual to decline to make arrangements and authorise the appropriate health authority to do so in a way specified by the individual or the health authority. The individual may not authorise any other person to make arrangements.
214.Subsection (3) requires the person who has been authorised to make the arrangements on behalf of the woman to dispose of the remains in the manner specified by the woman.
215.Subsection (4) requires the health authority to inform the individual if it is not practicable to arrange the disposal in a way chosen by the individual.
216.Where the individual authorises the health authority to make arrangements, subsection (5) requires the health authority to record that information in the prescribed form and to take reasonable steps to secure the individual’s signature.
217.Subsection (6) provides that subsection (7) applies if the health authority has recorded a decision to authorise an individual made under section 79(2)(b) and the individual does not inform the health authority that he or she has made arrangements for the disposal of the remains and does not authorise the health authority to make the arrangements. Subsection (6) requires the health authority to record those facts in a prescribed form and take reasonable steps to secure the individual’s signature. Subsection (8) provides that “appropriate health authority” has the same definition as in section 79(9).