Indiana House Bill HB1336

Indiana 2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/13/25
• Refer: 1/13/25

Caption

Health care matters.

Impact

The legislation is significant as it outlines the responsibilities of healthcare providers when dealing with cases involving minors who are born alive and sets forth procedures for parental consent before issuing do-not-resuscitate orders or withholding life-sustaining treatment. It reinforces that healthcare providers cannot withdraw life-sustaining treatment for a minor without explicit consent from each parent or legal guardian, thus augmenting parental rights in medical decisions and potentially reducing judicial interventions in such health matters.

Summary

House Bill 1336 seeks to amend the Indiana Code with provisions focusing on the rights of parents and the obligations of healthcare providers concerning minors born alive, particularly those who may require specific healthcare interventions due to premature labor or other complications. The bill mandates that if a woman in premature labor is admitted to a hospital, she must be informed of the hospital's capabilities in treating born alive infants, alongside options for her care if the hospital lacks necessary facilities. Additionally, it establishes a presumption that, unless otherwise indicated, the continuation of life is in the best interests of minor patients.

Contention

Notably, the bill has generated discussions around the implications of parental rights versus medical discretion. Supporters argue that it empowers parents during critical health decisions about their children, promoting life-preserving care. On the other hand, critics may express concerns about the risks involved in mandating parental consent under potentially distressing circumstances. The bill also introduces the possibility of criminal prosecution for healthcare providers who might fail to adhere to its stipulations, which adds another layer of complexity and potential controversy surrounding this legislation.