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 Engrossed 2023 Regular Session Crews
Abstract: Provides for a commemorative certificate of a miscarried child at or prior to the 20
th
week
of gestation.
Proposed law establishes a commemorative certificate of miscarried child, which is defined as an
unintentional, spontaneous fetal demise occurring prior to or during the 20
th
week of gestation during
a pregnancy that has been verified by a healthcare practitioner.
Proposed law provides that the vital records registry shall issue a commemorative certificate of
miscarried child at the request of the patient.
Proposed law provides that the initial commemorative certificate of miscarried child shall be
provided at no charge with all subsequent requests complying with present law fee schedules for
certified copies of vital records.
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 the commemorative certificate is commemorative in nature and has no
legal effect.
(Adds R.S. 40:101)
Summary of Amendments Adopted by House
The Committee Amendments Proposed by House Committee on Health and Welfare to the
original bill:
1. Remove the requirement that a healthcare practitioner advise the patient that the patient
may receive a certificate of miscarried child.
2. Remove the requirement that a healthcare practitioner verify a patient's pregnancy.
3. Make technical corrections. 4. Change references from nonviable birth to miscarried child.