Bill > HB506

This bill amends Louisiana law regarding in vitro fertilization (IVF), establishing comprehensive legal definitions and protections for in vitro fertilized human embryos. The legislation defines an "in vitro fertilized human embryo" as a legally recognized entity with specific rights, including the capacity to sue or be sued and to be considered a separate entity from the medical facility storing it. The bill prohibits farming or culturing embryos for research purposes and bans the sale of embryos. It grants patients full control and decision-making authority over their embryos and establishes strict qualifications for medical facilities and physicians performing IVF procedures, including requiring directors to be licensed, specially trained, and board-certified in reproductive medicine. The law maintains the confidentiality of embryos and patients, prohibits intentional destruction of viable embryos, and allows for potential embryo donation under specific circumstances. Importantly, inheritance rights are limited, only applying if the embryo develops into a live-born child. The bill also provides legal protections for healthcare providers performing IVF, limiting their liability except in cases of criminal intent, and ensures that civil matters involving IVF are handled through existing medical malpractice procedures.

Justice

https://www.legis.la.gov/legis/BillInfo.aspx?s=25rs&b=HB506&sbi=y