Bill would require hospitals to inform parents of stillbirth burial rights
In committeeS. 4507Latest action
Sponsor: Roger Marshall · Senator · KS
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Official title: Bereaved Parents Rights Act
119th Congress
Topics: Health care
Introduced:
Read the official bill on Congress.govIn plain words
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Hospitals would have to notify parents within 6 hours of a miscarriage or stillbirth about burial, cremation, or disposal options.
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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.
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Where does it stand?
- IntroducedMay 13, 2026
- Senate committeeYou are here · May 13, 2026
- Senate vote
- House
- The president's desk
Right now: a Senate committee is reviewing it. If the House changes it, it goes back to the Senate before reaching the president.
Latest action: — Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.