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Dignity for Aborted Children Act
2/5/2024, 2:30 PM
Summary of Bill HR 4345
The bill requires healthcare providers who perform abortions to either bury or cremate the remains of the aborted fetus. This is in response to concerns that fetal remains are sometimes disposed of in a disrespectful or undignified manner.
Additionally, the bill prohibits the sale of fetal tissue obtained from abortions. This is aimed at preventing the exploitation of fetal remains for financial gain. Supporters of the bill argue that it is important to treat fetal remains with respect, regardless of one's stance on abortion. They believe that this legislation will help to ensure that the remains of aborted fetuses are handled in a humane and dignified manner. Opponents of the bill, on the other hand, argue that it infringes on a woman's right to choose and interferes with the medical decisions between a woman and her healthcare provider. They also raise concerns about the potential impact of the bill on medical research and the availability of abortion services. Overall, the Dignity for Aborted Children Act is a controversial piece of legislation that raises important ethical and legal questions surrounding the handling of fetal remains. It remains to be seen how this bill will progress through the legislative process and what impact it may have on abortion practices in the United States.
Congressional Summary of HR 4345
Dignity for Aborted Children Act
This bill sets out requirements for the disposition of human fetal tissue from an abortion.
Specifically, it requires abortion providers to obtain a patient's informed consent for one of two specified methods of disposition.
First, patients may choose to retain possession of the tissue. A patient may choose to transfer the tissue to an entity that provides interment or cremation services.
Second, the patient may elect to release the tissue to the provider. Providers must ensure any tissue released to them is interred or cremated within seven days of the procedure in a manner consistent with state law regarding the disposal of human remains.
Abortion providers must report annually about these requirements and other specified information.
The bill provides civil or criminal penalties for violations of disposal, informed consent, and reporting requirements.





