HB 914 -- Disposition of Human Fetal Remains

Sponsor:  Portwood

This bill contains provisions pertaining to the disposition of
human fetal remains.  The bill:

(1)  Requires that a pregnant woman have the option of treating
the remains of a fetal death in the same manner as the remains of
a deceased person in accordance with state law;

(2)  Requires treating physicians to inform a pregnant woman of
her rights regarding the disposition of human fetal remains if
she proceeds with an abortion;

(3)  Requires health care providers, upon a timely request of a
pregnant woman, to release to the woman or her designee the
remains of a fetal death for final disposition in accordance with
state law.  If no timely request is made, health care providers
are not required to maintain or preserve the human fetal remains;

(4)  Allows a health care provider to conduct or acquire medical
tests on the human fetal remains prior to release of the remains;

(5)  Allows health care providers to require a release of
liability prior to the release of human fetal remains; and

(6)  Exempts health care providers from civil and criminal
liability, suit, or sanction with regard to any action taken in
good faith compliance with the bill.

Missouri House of Representatives
92nd General Assembly, 2nd Regular Session
Last Updated September 23, 2004 at 11:14 am