The 'Butterfly Code' as a Guarantee of human rights in perinatal loss: a legal and bioethical analysis of the consequences of its absence in mexican hospital institutions

Abstract

Perinatal death is an event with profound emotional, psychological, and social consequences for the individuals and families who experience it. In response to this issue, various healthcare institutions have implemented the Butterfly Code, a humanized care protocol designed to provide comprehensive support throughout the grieving process. However, its adoption in Mexico remains uneven and lacks a national regulatory framework establishing uniform implementation standards.

The aim of this study is to analyze the ethical and legal implications arising from the absence or insufficient implementation of the Butterfly Code in Mexican healthcare institutions. A qualitative methodology was employed, based on documentary, legal, and bioethical analysis of relevant legislation, doctrine, and specialized literature.

The findings indicate that the lack of institutional bereavement support protocols may contribute to practices of dehumanization, revictimization, and unequal care, which are incompatible with the principles of human dignity, autonomy, informed consent, the right to health, and equality, as well as with national and international human rights standards. The study concludes that implementing the Butterfly Code is an essential institutional measure to ensure respectful, comprehensive, and person-centered care while strengthening the protection of the rights of individuals and families experiencing perinatal bereavement.