Set up, structure and best practice standards for a perinatal autopsy service: the Australian experience

Perinatal autopsy services provide critical information to help families understand the cause of a stillbirth or neonatal death, inform future pregnancy care, and contribute to public health data. A well-structured perinatal autopsy service integrates pathology with clinical care, supporting families, healthcare providers, and public health outcomes. Investment in good-quality practice standards, workforce training, and equitable access is essential to realise these benefits. This review discusses the practical considerations for establishing and sustaining a high-quality perinatal autopsy service. Key elements include infrastructure, governance, sustainable funding and the role of a skilled multi-disciplinary team. The importance of standardised reporting using a minimum dataset, culturally sensitive consent processes, and continuing education for referring clinicians is highlighted. Current challenges within the Australian context are discussed.