Bill > S03173

This bill updates New York state's public health law to clarify and modernize the reporting and handling of pregnancy losses. It replaces outdated terminology like "fetal death" with more sensitive language such as "pregnancy loss", which is now defined as the loss of a pregnancy at any gestation, confirmed by a licensed healthcare provider. The bill requires healthcare providers to electronically report pregnancy losses within 72 hours to the Department of Health, with specific provisions for spontaneous miscarriages, stillbirths, and induced pregnancy terminations. The legislation emphasizes protecting the privacy of individuals experiencing pregnancy loss by limiting the disclosure of personal information and establishing a civil penalty of up to $5,000 for unauthorized release of identifying details. Additionally, the bill allows for the issuance of a still birth certificate upon request, provides guidelines for the disposition of products of conception, and ensures that reporting is done with the utmost respect for the individual's confidentiality. The changes are set to take effect immediately, with some provisions expiring on September 30, 2026, allowing for potential future refinements to the law.

Health and Social Services

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S3173