S. 4507: Bereaved Parents Rights Act

This bill, known as the Bereaved Parents Rights Act, aims to amend the Social Security Act to establish specific rights for parents who experience a miscarriage or stillbirth. Here are the main points of what the bill would do:

Notification Requirements

The bill requires hospitals and freestanding birth centers to inform parents who have experienced a miscarriage or stillbirth about their rights regarding the disposition of the fetus. This notification must occur within 6 hours of the miscarriage or stillbirth or when the parents are discharged from the facility, whichever comes first.

Options for Fetal Disposition

Parents will be informed that they have the following options for how to handle the disposition of the fetus:

• A private burial
• A common burial
• Cremation
• Disposal by the hospital or birth center

Written Election for Burial or Cremation

If parents wish to arrange for a burial or cremation, they must submit a written request within 72 hours after receiving notification. The hospital or birth center is then required to follow state regulations regarding the disposition of fetal remains.

Civil Action for Violations

The bill also allows parents to take legal action if they are harmed due to a violation of these requirements. This means that if a hospital or birth center fails to comply with the notification or disposition procedures, affected individuals can seek appropriate relief through the courts.

Implementation Timeline

The provisions of the bill would take effect 30 days after it becomes law.

Relevant Companies

None found.