Bill > LC0893

This bill, titled the "Preborn Infants Dignity Act", establishes comprehensive regulations regarding the handling, disposition, and potential use of fetal remains following miscarriage, stillbirth, or abortion. The bill defines key terms such as "bodily remains" and "fetal death" and requires that in every instance of fetal death, institutions must release the remains to the mother or her authorized representative upon request, allowing for burial, interment, or cremation. If the mother does not request the remains, the institution must obtain written authorization for final disposition from her. The bill strictly prohibits the sale, transfer, distribution, or experimentation of fetal remains, with exceptions only for diagnostic purposes, pathological study, or with the mother's informed consent when the remains are from a non-abortion occurrence. The legislation imposes significant criminal and civil penalties for violations, including potential felony charges for healthcare providers who fail to comply with the regulations. Notably, the bill includes legislative findings emphasizing the state's policy of promoting childbirth over abortion and asserting that fetal remains deserve dignity and respect. The bill also amends existing state law to expand reporting requirements for fetal deaths and aims to provide parents with opportunities to obtain certificates of birth resulting in stillbirth.

https://bills.legmt.gov/#/lc/bill/2/LC0893