No waiting period for burial of the dead
The 48-hour waiting period between the death of a person and their burial will be abolished in Berlin. The Senate passed an amendment to the Burial Act on Tuesday, which will now be debated and finally approved by the House of Representatives. Health Senator Ina Czyborra (SPD) stated that the waiting period had grown historically, but could not be justified objectively. It also contradicts religious burial rites, which require burial as soon as possible. This applies to Muslims and Jews, for example. By abolishing the waiting period, the Senate is therefore strengthening religious freedom, according to Czyborra.
In addition, the amendment to the law clarifies that embryos and foetuses from abortions can also be buried at the parents' request in future. Furthermore, the procedure for burials at sea will be simplified in the interests of the bereaved.
The amendment, passed by the Senate, will be discussed and potentially approved by the House of Representatives, ultimately abolishing the 48-hour waiting period for burials in Berlin. This decision aligns with religious burial rites, such as those practiced by Muslims and Jews, which require burials to occur as soon as possible.
Source: www.dpa.com
