Did a Funeral Director Really Keep Babies’ Bodies in Her Living Room?

A recent case in Leeds has raised significant concerns regarding funeral practices after it was revealed that funeral director Amie Upton took deceased babies' bodies home, leading to her ban from maternity wards and morgues. This shocking behaviour has prompted calls for stricter regulations in the unregulated funeral industry in England and Wales.

Last updated: 10 October 2023 (BST)

Key Takeaways

• Amie Upton, a funeral director, has been banned from maternity wards and morgues after mishandling deceased infants.
• Parents reported disturbing encounters with their deceased children at Upton's home.
• The funeral industry in the UK lacks regulation, raising concerns about the treatment of bodies.
• An inquiry has called for government action to implement statutory regulations to protect the deceased and their families.
• West Yorkshire Police investigated but found no criminal activity related to Upton's actions.

Background of the Incident

Amie Upton, 38, has been at the centre of a distressing controversy after parents reported that she took the bodies of their deceased infants to her home. One mother, Zoe Ward, shared her harrowing experience of discovering her three-week-old son, Bleu, propped up in a baby bouncer in front of Upton’s television. The sight was so traumatizing that Zoe recounted feeling terrified, stating, “There was another [dead] baby on the sofa. It wasn’t a nice sight.”

This disturbing revelation came to light following an investigation by the BBC, which uncovered that Leeds Teaching Hospitals Trust had banned Upton from all its mortuaries and maternity wards due to numerous complaints regarding her practices. The Trust indicated that it had received “several serious concerns” about Upton's services over the past few years, which led to heightened monitoring of her activities.

The Impact on Bereaved Families

The emotional toll on the families involved cannot be overstated. Zoe's experience is echoed by another couple who believed their stillborn daughter's body was being stored properly but later learned it was at Upton’s residence. They described the situation as “crazy,” suggesting that if they told someone about it, they would think it was a horror film.

Families are left devastated by the lack of professionalism and respect shown in the handling of their loved ones. Zoe described the moment she learned of her son's positioning, stating she was “upset and angry” and immediately contacted another funeral director to retrieve Bleu’s body. This level of distress is compounded by the broader implications of Upton's actions on public trust in funeral services.

The Unregulated Funeral Industry

The case has highlighted a significant issue within the funeral industry in England and Wales, which operates largely unregulated. Currently, there are no mandatory requirements regarding the storage of bodies or qualifications needed to become a funeral director. This absence of oversight can result in scenarios where individuals like Upton can operate without sufficient checks on their practices.

According to an inquiry led by Sir Jonathan Michael, the lack of regulation poses a fundamental flaw in the industry, allowing anyone to set up as a funeral director and potentially mishandle bodies. The inquiry has strongly recommended that the government take action to establish statutory regulations that ensure the dignity and security of the deceased.

Calls for Reform and Regulatory Changes

The disturbing reports about Upton's practices have reignited discussions about the need for reform in the funeral sector. With many families suffering from similar experiences, it is evident that the current state of the funeral industry is inadequate to protect the rights and dignity of the deceased.

In response to the mounting concerns, various stakeholders, including bereaved families and industry professionals, are advocating for the implementation of comprehensive regulations. These would ideally include:

• Minimum training and qualifications for funeral directors.
• Mandatory storage conditions for bodies, ensuring they are kept at appropriate temperatures.
• Regular audits of funeral services to ensure compliance with ethical and professional standards.
• Clear guidelines for the treatment of bereaved families, including transparent communication about the handling of bodies.

Current Investigations and Legal Oversight

West Yorkshire Police have reportedly investigated Upton twice since 2021 but concluded that no potential crimes were identified. This highlights a significant gap between unethical practices and legal accountability within the funeral industry. Upton herself, in statements to the media, has claimed that she has only received two complaints in her eight years of operating Florrie’s Army, a baby loss support and funeral service.

Despite Upton's claims of minimal complaints, the overwhelming testimonies from grieving families suggest a pattern of behaviour that raises serious ethical questions. As the investigation continues, there is a pressing need for the funeral sector to address these shortcomings and ensure that families can trust those they entrust with their loved ones.

Moving Forward: What’s Next for Families and the Industry?

The future of funeral services in the UK hangs in the balance as families seek justice and accountability for the treatment of their deceased loved ones. The call for regulations is growing louder, and it is crucial for the government to respond swiftly to prevent further incidents of this nature.

For families who have been affected, support services and counselling can help navigate the complex emotions associated with their losses and the added trauma of witnessing such disrespect. It is essential that bereaved families are provided with the resources necessary to cope with their grief and ensure that their loved ones are treated with dignity.

As the situation evolves, it remains to be seen how the government will address the pressing need for regulation in the funeral industry. The tragic experiences shared by families must serve as a catalyst for change, ensuring that no other parents have to endure the horror of finding their deceased child treated in such an appalling manner.

FAQs

What happened with Amie Upton, the funeral director?

Amie Upton was banned from maternity wards and morgues in Leeds after taking deceased babies' bodies to her home, where they were reportedly mishandled.

Why is the funeral industry in the UK unregulated?

The funeral industry lacks regulation in the UK, meaning there are no legal requirements for funeral directors regarding qualifications or body storage practices.

What are the implications of the lack of regulation in funeral services?

The absence of regulation can lead to unethical practices, such as the mishandling of deceased bodies, as seen in the case of Upton, impacting bereaved families' trust.

What actions have been called for regarding funeral regulations?

There are calls for the government to implement statutory regulations that would require qualifications for funeral directors and establish proper standards for handling bodies.

How are families affected by these practices?

Families are left traumatized and distressed by the disrespect shown towards their deceased loved ones, often leading to a loss of trust in funeral services.

What should families do if they have concerns about funeral services?

If families have concerns, they should report these to relevant authorities, seek support from bereavement services, and consider alternative funeral providers.

As discussions around funeral service reforms continue, the need for transparency and accountability is paramount. How can we ensure that the dignity of the deceased is preserved in the future? #FuneralServiceReform #BereavementSupport #LeedsNews