11.04.2025 12:00
A 12-week-old baby died in the womb in Bursa. The fetus, which was removed through abortion at a private hospital the couple went to, was reportedly handed over to them with the assurance that they could bury it wherever they wanted. The family buried the fetus without registration between two graves in Isabey Cemetery. While the prosecutor's office has launched an investigation into the 'illegal burial,' the grave will be opened for DNA testing.
The couple Ş.Ç. and K.Ç., living in the Osmangazi district, got married 2 years ago. The mother Ş.Ç., who was excited about being pregnant with their first baby, was treated for 20 days at a private hospital due to bleeding. However, despite the treatment, their 12-week-old baby lost its life in the mother's womb. The fetus was removed through a curettage procedure. According to the hospital authorities, they handed over the fetus to the family, claiming that they could bury it wherever they wanted. The family buried the fetus without any records between two graves in İsabey Cemetery. The incident came to light when a person visiting the grave during Ramadan noticed a wooden sign saying 'Kayra Bebek' next to their father's grave and the booties left beside it.
PROSECUTOR'S OFFICE INITIATED AN INVESTIGATION
Upon the complaint, the police started an investigation regarding the burial, and it was learned that the grave would be opened as part of the investigation initiated by the Bursa Chief Public Prosecutor's Office, which seeks up to 6 months of imprisonment for the crime of 'Improper burial of a dead body', and DNA identification will be conducted with samples taken from the fetus and the family. If it is determined that the fetus belongs to the family, the burial process can be carried out at İsabey Cemetery, where it is currently buried, for a fee of 75,000 TL, or free of charge at Erdoğan Village Urban Cemetery or Hasköy Cemetery.
"NO ONE SHOULD OPEN MY BABY'S GRAVE"
The father K.Ç., who was called to the police station for a statement, said that he did not know they needed permission for the burial, stating, "The hospital told us, 'You can bury it wherever you want.' We are already grieving the loss of our first child. We will also reach out to the grave owners. No one should open my baby's grave," he said.