Bill would require hospitals to inform parents of stillbirth burial rights

What does this do?

The Bereaved Parents Rights Act would amend Medicare law to require hospitals and birth centers to give parents a government-created form after a miscarriage or stillbirth, explaining their right to choose private or shared burial, cremation, or hospital disposal. Facilities must provide this within 6 hours of the event or before discharge, whichever comes first, and if a parent requests burial or cremation in writing within 72 hours, the facility must follow the state's existing fetal death procedures.

Who does it affect?

Parents who experience a miscarriage or stillbirth at a hospital or birth center would gain a formal, guaranteed choice in what happens to the fetus. Hospitals and birth centers would need to create new forms, procedures, and staff training to comply.

Why does it matter?

Because the bill amends Medicare law and nearly all hospitals participate in Medicare, the requirement would likely apply broadly across the country. Facilities that fail to follow the rules could face lawsuits from people harmed by a violation.

Where does it stand?