DIGEST
The digest printed below was prepared by House Legislative Services. It constitutes no part of the
legislative instrument. The keyword, one-liner, abstract, and digest do not constitute part of the law
or proof or indicia of legislative intent. [R.S. 1:13(B) and 24:177(E)]
HB 457 Original 2023 Regular Session Crews
Abstract: Provides for a commemorative certificate of a nonviable birth prior to the 20
th
week of
gestation.
Proposed law establishes a commemorative certificate of nonviable birth, which is defined as an
unintentional, spontaneous fetal demise occurring prior to the 20
th
week of gestation during a
pregnancy that has been verified by a healthcare practitioner.
Proposed law provides that a licensed healthcare practitioner who attends or diagnoses a nonviable
birth or a licensed healthcare facility where a nonviable birth occurs shall advise a patient that they
may request the commemorative certificate.
Proposed law provides that the Vital Records Registry shall issue a commemorative certificate of
nonviable birth upon receipt of a request of a patient and healthcare practitioner verification.
Proposed law provides that the initial commemorative certificate of nonviable birth shall be provided
at no charge with all subsequent requests complying with present law fee schedules.
Proposed law provides that the commemorative certificate will contain the name of the fetus and the
gender, if known. If the name of the fetus is not furnished by the patient, the commemorative
certificate with name "Baby Boy" or "Baby Girl" along with the last name of the patient if the gender
of the fetus is known. If the gender of the fetus is not known the name "Baby" along with the last
name of the patient will be printed.
Proposed law provides that a commemorative certificate is commemorative in nature and has no
legal effect.
(Adds R.S. 40:101)