Unclaimed babies to be laid to rest

Funeral services will be held for seven unclaimed babies in Marion County Friday.

The babies were born and died at Indianapolis-area hospitals before the pandemic.  None were claimed by their families after being transported to a funeral home for burial.

Linda Znachko, founder of He Knows Your Name ministry, recently claimed the babies under Indiana law in order to honor their lives with a burial.

“The loss of a child is the worst kind of grief and so I’m grateful that I get to focus on the baby and take care of the baby. I don’t need to spend any energy or wonder about what is going on with the family. I just know there are a lot of families broken, dysfunctional and in pain,” Znachko said.

Znacchko said hospital abandonments are on the rise. She hopes to offer support, resources and understanding of the needs that many families may have.

“I just want to encourage people to take some of the myths they’ve been told – or the things they don’t understand – and ask questions and make sure they understand that there are really affordable options out there,” Znacchko said.

The funeral is open to the public.  It will take place at Washington Park East Cemetery at 11am.