Relating To Vital Statistics.
The introduction of SB173 could significantly impact state laws relating to vital statistics, as it formalizes the issuance of certificates of stillbirth. By requiring the Department of Health to provide this certificate, the bill acknowledges stillbirth as a significant event in the lives of parents and attempts to provide them with a tangible record of their loss. This legislative change could also lead to improvements in the way healthcare providers handle stillbirth cases, ensuring that parents receive appropriate support and documentation.
SB173 proposes an amendment to Chapter 338 of the Hawaii Revised Statutes, which pertains to vital statistics. The bill requires the Department of Health to issue a certificate of stillbirth to the parents listed on a fetal death certificate, at their request. This certificate can be requested regardless of when the fetal death certificate was issued. It also stipulates that the name given to the stillborn fetus be included in the certificate, should the parents choose to provide it. This change is aimed at providing a formal recognition of stillbirths and honoring the experiences of the parents who suffer such losses.
Despite the generally supportive nature of such bills, there may be points of contention regarding the implications of officially recognizing stillbirths through certificates. Some might argue about the potential administrative burden on the Department of Health to implement these changes, including modifying the fetal death reporting system and maintaining records accordingly. Others may raise concerns about the emotional aspects of issuing such certificates and the responsibilities of healthcare providers and state agencies in addressing the sensitive nature of stillbirths.