Louisiana House Bill HB90

Louisiana 2021 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/9/21
• Refer: 3/9/21
• Refer: 4/12/21

Caption

Provides relative to Missing Angel Certificates issued by the state registrar of vital records (OR NO IMPACT See Note)

Impact

The impact of HB 90 on state laws primarily revolves around the amendment of existing regulations regarding vital records in Louisiana. The state registrar will be required to establish this 'Missing Angel Certificate' and include it on publicly available ordering forms for birth and death certificates. This formal acknowledgment is designed to help facilitate the grieving process for affected parents, by allowing them to memorialize their children in a manner similar to how live births are documented. Furthermore, the proposed law ensures that the certificate notably states that it does not serve as proof of a live birth, thus maintaining clarity in the context of vital statistics.

Summary

House Bill 90, sponsored by Representative Horton, proposes the designation of a 'Missing Angel Certificate' for stillbirth occurrences in Louisiana. This initiative seeks to create a formal recognition for parents who experience a stillbirth after twenty weeks of gestation, enabling them to obtain a certificate that acknowledges their loss. This change aims to provide emotional support and validation to parents as they navigate the heartbreaking experience of stillbirth, which statistics indicate affects many families annually.

Sentiment

The sentiment around HB 90 appears to be largely supportive, particularly among advocacy groups and individuals who emphasize the need for recognition of stillbirths. Proponents of the bill argue that the acknowledgment of lost pregnancies can have profound positive effects on the healing process for grieving families. While there may be minor concerns regarding the bill's logistics, the general consensus among supporters is that providing such a certificate is a compassionate and necessary step for the state.

Contention

Notable points of contention regarding HB 90 might arise from debates about the broader implications of such recognition. Advocates for parental bereavement rights see this bill as a crucial acknowledgment of the emotional and psychological impacts of stillbirth. However, conversations may include challenges regarding the implementation of such programs and ensuring that they meet the needs of grieving families adequately. Overall, however, HB 90 represents an important movement towards compassion and acknowledgment for those affected by stillbirth.