The sun shines on the cemetery next to the Zams parish church in Austria. Mountains rise on either side. In between, in the Oberinntal valley, about 40 people gather. They stand around a small white coffin, not much larger than a shoebox. “It depends on how many children are in the coffin, sometimes it’s bigger, sometimes smaller,” says Paul Probst of the Zams municipality.
This is not a symbolic coffin being carried to its grave on this beautiful, warm autumn day in the Tyrolean highlands. The mourners have gathered for a special burial: for here, everyone mourns someone else. None of those present knew the person in the coffin, not personally. Because they were never born.
The children are so-called “Sternenkinder” – literally “star children” – a German term for babies lost to miscarriage or stillbirth. The remains, collected at the local hospital’s pathology department, are picked up twice a year by the funeral home and placed in the coffin. “Between 30 and 70 children come together approximately every six months,” says Christine Dellemann, the funeral director. She organizes the star child burial together with the Zams hospital and the municipality.
The practice, while deeply moving, highlights a quiet and often unspoken grief experienced by many families. Pregnancy loss is surprisingly common, yet often shrouded in silence. While precise global statistics are difficult to obtain, data suggests that approximately 10-20% of known pregnancies end in miscarriage before 20 weeks of gestation. Stillbirth, defined as fetal death at or after 20 weeks, occurs in approximately 1-2% of pregnancies in developed countries. These numbers, however, may underestimate the true prevalence, as many early miscarriages go unreported.
The emotional impact of pregnancy loss can be profound, comparable to that of losing a loved one. Grief, sadness, anger, guilt, and anxiety are all common reactions. Yet, societal norms often minimize or dismiss this grief, leaving many individuals feeling isolated and unsupported. The Austrian ceremony, and similar initiatives gaining traction elsewhere, represents a growing recognition of the need to acknowledge and validate this loss.
Historically, the remains of miscarried or stillborn babies were often handled with little ceremony. In some cases, they were disposed of as medical waste. The practice of providing a communal burial, like the one in Zams, offers families a sense of closure and a tangible way to honor their lost children. It also challenges the stigma surrounding pregnancy loss, creating a space for collective mourning and remembrance.
The situation in Tuam, Ireland, as reported in by the New York Times, offers a stark and disturbing contrast. Investigations into the Bon Secours Mother and Baby Home revealed the remains of nearly 800 infants and children buried in an unmarked mass grave, often within a disused septic tank. This discovery brought to light systemic neglect and appalling conditions within institutions designed to care for unmarried mothers and their children. The Irish case underscores the importance of respectful and dignified treatment of fetal remains, and the devastating consequences when that respect is absent.
The historical context of these practices is often intertwined with societal attitudes towards unmarried mothers and “illegitimate” children. As noted in research concerning historical burial practices, societal pressures and economic factors could influence how pregnancy loss was handled. A pregnancy outside of marriage could threaten a family’s inheritance plans, and the children themselves were often stigmatized. The Bon Secours Mother and Baby Home in Tuam exemplifies this historical context, where societal judgment contributed to the dehumanizing treatment of both mothers and children.
The annual meeting of the American Anthropological Association in will feature a panel discussion on “Ghosts,” including a session on the anthropology of ghostly reproductions. This suggests a growing academic interest in exploring the cultural and emotional dimensions of pregnancy loss and the ways in which societies grapple with the absence of children who never lived. The exploration of these themes through an anthropological lens can provide valuable insights into the complex interplay of grief, memory, and social norms.
While the specific rituals and practices surrounding pregnancy loss vary across cultures, the underlying need for acknowledgment and support remains universal. The ceremony in Zams, Austria, and the ongoing efforts to address the injustices uncovered in Tuam, Ireland, represent important steps towards creating a more compassionate and understanding society for those who have experienced the pain of losing a child before birth. Providing access to grief counseling, support groups, and respectful memorialization options are crucial components of comprehensive care for families navigating this difficult journey.
For those experiencing pregnancy loss, it is important to remember that grief is a natural and valid response. Seeking support from loved ones, healthcare professionals, or support groups can be immensely helpful. There is no right or wrong way to grieve, and allowing oneself the time and space to heal is essential. Resources are available to help navigate this challenging time, and acknowledging the loss is the first step towards healing.
