A stillborn child, is defined medically as, a dead fetus developed to a point at which it normally would have been viable. On major question religiously, has been whether a stillborn child was ever “a living soul”. This is important because Latter-day Saints question whether or not a still born child could be resurrected and become part of an eternal family. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints has made no official statement on this matter. President Brigham Young stated as an opinion, “when the mother feels life come to her infant it is the spirit entering the body”. Others have said that the spirit may not enter the body until just before birth, while others speculate that there are only three elements that can constitute a living soul, and those are body, spirit, and breath of life.

Since LDS Church policy only permits sealings to be performed for children who die after birth as opposed to those who die before birth, some have concluded that stillborn child will not be resurrected. The current General Handbook of Instructions states that the policy of not allowing still born children to be sealed to their parents simply implies “no loss of eternal blessings or family unity” (6-8). Latter-day Saints believe and trust in God’s loving kindness to accord to each of his spirit children the eternal state which is proper. Members believe that this is accomplished through judgement which is both just and merciful.