Perinatal Pathology

The PathWest Perinatal Pathology service supports families all over Western Australia after the loss of a baby. Our team of health professionals provides compassionate and dignified care to help families find the answers they need.

We offer a state-wide service that includes:

  • mementos in the form of photographs and hand and foot prints (if possible).
  • cremations for stillborn babies of less than 28 weeks gestation
  • viewings with parents and their families to spend time with their baby
  • non-coronial post-mortem examinations of your baby
  • Location

    We are located at King Edward Memorial Hospital (KEMH)/Women and Newborn Health Service (WNHS). The Perinatal Pathology Department is located at the end of Hensman Road in P (Pathology) Block.

    Grief support services

    • The Red Nose Grief and Loss support line is available 24/7 on 1300 308 307 for anyone affected by the loss of a pregnancy, stillbirth or death of a baby or child.
    • Bears of Hope provides ongoing comfort, support and counselling to families who have experienced the loss of a baby during pregnancy, birth and infancy.
    • Heartfelt is a volunteer organisation of professional photographers who provide photographic memories to families. All services are provided free of charge.
    • Lifeline is a national charity providing anyone experiencing a personal crisis with access to 24-hour crisis support and suicide prevention services.
    • 13 YARN is a national crisis line for mob who are feeling overwhelmed or having difficulty coping.
    • Centrelink (Family Assistance Office) provides financial assistance including maternity allowances and bereavement payments.
    • Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages keeps registry records, maintains births and death registrations in Western Australia and issues certificates.
    Last Updated: 06/01/2026