Bill > SB156

This bill provides comprehensive legal guidelines for in vitro fertilization (IVF) in Louisiana, establishing a detailed framework for the medical, ethical, and legal treatment of human embryos created through this process. The bill defines a human embryo as a fertilized human ovum with certain legal rights, and specifies that such embryos cannot be owned, farmed, or cultured solely for research purposes. It mandates that IVF procedures can only be performed by medical facilities meeting specific standards, with physicians who are double board-certified in obstetrics, gynecology, and reproductive endocrinology. The bill grants juridical person status to viable embryos, meaning they can sue or be sued, and establishes that only intended parents have decision-making authority over these embryos. Importantly, the legislation prohibits the intentional destruction of viable embryos and requires strict confidentiality. The bill also addresses liability, stating that healthcare providers are protected from prosecution except in cases of criminal negligence, and clarifies inheritance rights, which are only applicable if the embryo develops into a live-born child. Additionally, the bill repeals a previous section of law (R.S. 9:125) related to embryos, signaling a comprehensive update to Louisiana's legal approach to in vitro fertilization.

Justice

https://www.legis.la.gov/legis/BillInfo.aspx?s=25rs&b=SB156&sbi=y