HB 1606 -- Disposition of Human Fetuses

Sponsor:  Dolan

This bill establishes the Disposition of Human Fetuses Act.

The bill:

(1)  Contains definitions for "final disposition" and "remains of
a human fetus";

(2)  Requires that the mother of the dead human fetus determine
the final disposition of the remains of the fetus.  The mother is
allowed to choose any means of final disposition authorized by
law or by the Director of the Department of Health and Senior
Services;

(3)  Authorizes the final disposition of human fetal remains by
cremation, burial, incineration in an approved medical waste
incinerator, or other means approved by the director.  The
disposition must be consistent with state law or administrative
rules.  If the disposition occurs by incineration, the remains
must be incinerated separately from medical waste;

(4)  Does not require a religious service or ceremony to be held;

(5)  Requires licensed hospitals and other licensed health care
facilities to adopt written standards for the disposition of
human fetal remains.  Licensed health care facilities can provide
the mother a copy of their written standards;

(6)  Requires licensed hospitals or other licensed health care
facilities to notify the mother within a 24-hour period of her
right to determine the final disposition and the methods of final
disposition of the fetal remains as contained in the bill.  The
24-hour notification is required if an abortion or miscarriage
occurs at the facility;

(7)  Requires the licensed health care facility to provide
on-site counseling services to the mother or refer the mother to
an appropriate provider of counseling services concerning the
death of the fetus; and

(8)  Requires that persons who violate provisions of the bill are
guilty of a class C misdemeanor.

Missouri House of Representatives
Last Updated October 11, 2002 at 9:01 am