H.R. 8784: Bereaved Parents Rights Act

This bill, titled the Bereaved Parents Rights Act, proposes amendments to the Social Security Act concerning the rights of parents who experience a miscarriage or stillbirth. The key provisions of the bill include the following:

Notification Requirements for Hospitals and Birth Centers

The bill mandates that hospitals and freestanding birth centers provide clear notifications to parents regarding their rights concerning the management of the fetus following a miscarriage or stillbirth. Specifically, the requirements are:

• Hospitals must notify parents of their rights no later than 6 hours after the miscarriage or stillbirth, or at the time of discharge, whichever comes first.
• This notification must inform parents of their options for the disposition of the fetus, which include:
• Arranging for a private or common burial
• Cremation
• Allowing the hospital or freestanding birth center to dispose of the fetus

Choice of Disposition

After being notified, if parents choose to arrange for burial or cremation within 72 hours, the hospital must ensure that these options are respected and conducted in accordance with state laws concerning fetal death disposition.

Civil Action for Violations

If any individual experiences harm due to non-compliance with these notification and disposition requirements, they have the right to file a civil lawsuit in a U.S. district court for appropriate relief.

Implementation Timeline

The provisions outlined in the bill would take effect 30 days after the bill is enacted.

Relevant Companies

None found.