Flemish Interior minister condemns funeral sector malpractice

Flemish Interior minister Hilde Crevits (CD&V) has condemned malpractice in the funeral sector exposed by VRT’s consumer programme WinWin.

The investigation revealed that staff at care homes and at least one Antwerp hospital, ZAS Middelheim, accepted money or gifts from undertakers in exchange for collecting deceased patients. In some cases, families were informed only after a body had already been moved, despite the law granting them the right to choose the funeral director themselves.

“These practices are ethically and professionally unacceptable”, Crevits said. “Exploiting a death for financial gain is completely wrong. Families must be able to make a free and informed choice without pressure or hidden deals.”

”Exploiting a death for financial gain is completely wrong”

The minister stressed that most undertakers act properly, but said sanctions are needed for those who break the rules, including possible exclusion from the sector. 

She added that she will discuss stronger protections for bereaved families and formal recognition of the funeral profession at both Flemish and federal level.

^{Flemish Interior minister Hilde Crevits © BELGA PHOTO JAMES ARTHUR GEKIERE}