When a star child is born – whether after a very early birth or a stillbirth – this is accompanied by immeasurable pain, questions and uncertainty. During this time you do not have to find your way alone – our team is here for you.
Legal Framework
In Austria, depending on the federal state, there is either a legal obligation to bury or a right to bury. In principle, however, all children can be buried. For children with a birth weight over 500 grams (stillbirth) as well as for children who die after birth, there is a nationwide burial obligation in Austria. For very early births under 500 g, the legal regulations differ by federal state. If parents do not arrange a burial themselves, the hospital usually takes on this task in the form of a communal burial, which in Carinthia takes place twice a year.
Differences by Weight and Federal State
Over 500 g (stillbirth) & live-born children who die shortly after birth:
Burial obligation throughout Austria
Under 500 g (very early birth):
- Burial obligation: Vienna, Lower Austria, Salzburg, Styria, Vorarlberg
- Right to bury (no obligation): Carinthia, Upper Austria, Burgenland, Tyrol
What This Means for You
Burial obligation:
Your child must be laid to rest in any case – if you cannot or do not wish to organise this yourself, the hospital will take care of it.
Right to bury:
You may arrange a burial, for example in a family grave or at your own burial site. You decide what feels right for you at this moment.
Options for You as a Parent
Individual burial:
You can choose a very personal form of farewell – such as earth burial, cremation or natural burial. If you are worried about possible costs, we can reassure you. Many funeral homes bury star children free of charge and there is also a burial assistance fund from the Association of Austrian Star Child Support Organisations. There are also grief speakers who work pro bono. We are happy to help you!
Communal burial:
If you do not wish to organise a burial yourself, the hospital usually takes care of the organisation as part of a communal burial with a memorial service. You will be notified by post from the cemetery administration a few days before the farewell. However, it can take several months until your star child is farewelled. Burials in Carinthia take place twice a year – usually in spring and autumn.
A place of remembrance:
On www.mein-sternenkind.net some protected memorial sites near you are listed where you can be close to your star child, grieve and remember – for example our project "Stargazing" as well.
Assistance Fund for the Individual Farewell of Star Children
No farewell should fail because of financial circumstances. The assistance fund of Mein Sternenkind supports affected families in giving their star child a dignified and individual farewell. The fund helps with basic burial costs and enables parents to choose their personal form of farewell – regardless of their financial situation.
Further information is available here:
You do not have to walk this path alone
Speak with your caring hospital or a funeral home specialised in this area.
👉 The Wandelstern organisation supports you around the clock – 24 hours a day, 365 days a year – with the organisation and all questions regarding the burial of your star child. We also provide free, lovingly equipped caskets in various sizes or farewell baskets.
Do not hesitate to get in touch – every question, every step and every doubt has a place here with us.