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Dignity for Aborted Children Act

1/11/2023, 1:43 PM

Summary of Bill HR 620

Bill 117 HR 620, also known as the Dignity for Aborted Children Act, was introduced in the US Congress with the aim of ensuring that the remains of aborted fetuses are treated with respect and dignity. The bill requires healthcare providers who perform abortions to either bury or cremate the remains of the aborted fetus.

The bill specifies that healthcare providers must provide written documentation of the burial or cremation to the mother of the aborted fetus. It also prohibits the sale or transfer of aborted fetal tissue for research or any other purpose.

Supporters of the bill argue that it is important to recognize the humanity of the unborn and provide them with a proper burial or cremation. They believe that this legislation will help to bring closure to women who have undergone abortions and ensure that the remains of aborted fetuses are not treated as medical waste. Opponents of the bill argue that it infringes on a woman's right to choose and interferes with the medical decisions of healthcare providers. They also raise concerns about the potential impact on medical research that uses aborted fetal tissue. Overall, the Dignity for Aborted Children Act has sparked debate among lawmakers and the public about the ethical and legal implications of how the remains of aborted fetuses should be handled.

Congressional Summary of HR 620

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, in cases where the tissue is expelled on the provider’s premises, 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.

Current Status of Bill HR 620

Bill HR 620 is currently in the status of Bill Introduced since January 28, 2021. Bill HR 620 was introduced during Congress 117 and was introduced to the House on January 28, 2021.  Bill HR 620's most recent activity was Referred to the Subcommittee on Health. as of February 2, 2021

Bipartisan Support of Bill HR 620

Total Number of Sponsors
1
Democrat Sponsors
0
Republican Sponsors
1
Unaffiliated Sponsors
0
Total Number of Cosponsors
100
Democrat Cosponsors
0
Republican Cosponsors
100
Unaffiliated Cosponsors
0

Policy Area and Potential Impact of Bill HR 620

Primary Policy Focus

Health

Potential Impact Areas

- Abortion
- Cemeteries and funerals
- Census and government statistics
- Civil actions and liability
- Congressional oversight
- Criminal investigation, prosecution, interrogation
- Health information and medical records
- Health personnel

Alternate Title(s) of Bill HR 620

Dignity for Aborted Children Act
To protect the dignity of fetal remains, and for other purposes.
Dignity for Aborted Children Act

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