Louisiana House Bill HCR166

Louisiana 2015 Regular Session

• Introduced: 5/20/15
• Engrossed: 5/25/15
• Refer: 5/26/15
• Report Pass: 6/2/15
• Passed: 6/10/15

Caption

Requests the Department of Health and Hospitals to study means to facilitate burial of a fetus or fetal remains resulting from a loss of pregnancy at less than twenty weeks' gestation

Impact

If implemented, HCR166 could significantly alter the legal framework regarding the treatment of fetal remains in Louisiana. By recognizing the rights of parents to bury their fetuses, the bill could foster a more compassionate approach to maternal health issues. The Department of Health and Hospitals will engage with various stakeholders to assess the best practices for enabling such burial rights, potentially leading to legislative changes that reflect the emotional and cultural significance of this issue.

Summary

House Concurrent Resolution 166 (HCR166) urges the Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals to study methods for allowing the burial of a fetus or fetal remains from a loss of pregnancy before twenty weeks' gestation. The resolution acknowledges the deep grief experienced by parents following such a loss and seeks to provide a means for these families to lay their unborn children to rest with dignity. Currently, Louisiana law treats fetal remains as 'medical waste,' preventing parents from pursuing burial options that are available in other states.

Sentiment

The sentiment expressed in discussions surrounding HCR166 highlights a strong communal agreement on the importance of providing families with the ability to honor their lost children. The resolution has garnered unanimous support, as indicated by the House vote of 85-0, reflecting a broad consensus among legislators on issues of grief and maternal health. Advocacy from religious and medical organizations also aligns with the resolution's intent, suggesting a unified front for promoting changes to existing laws.

Contention

While there appears to be general agreement on the need for the study proposed by HCR166, opposition may arise concerning the implications of legally recognizing fetal remains as deserving of burial. The challenge lies in navigating the sensitive balance between healthcare policy and personal beliefs regarding pregnancy loss. As the Department of Health and Hospitals conducts its study, various stakeholder perspectives will need to be considered to ensure that the final recommendations comprehensively address this complex issue.