Us Congress 2023-2024 Regular Session

Us Congress Senate Bill SB1102

Introduced
3/30/23  

Caption

Dignity for Aborted Children Act

Impact

The enactment of SB1102 would impose new standards on abortion providers regarding the handling of fetal remains, aligning with movements advocating for the dignity of aborted fetuses. It would add layers to existing healthcare regulations, potentially impacting state laws through the establishment of federally mandated practices concerning the treatment of human fetal tissue. Moreover, the bill stipulates penalties for non-compliance with its provisions, imposing monetary fines and potential prison time for violations, further enforcing adherence to these new regulations.

Summary

SB1102, titled the 'Dignity for Aborted Children Act', seeks to establish requirements for the disposal of human fetal tissue following an abortion. The bill mandates that abortion providers must offer patients options for the final disposition of fetal remains, which include interment or cremation, thereby aiming to ensure the respectful treatment of such remains. Abortion providers will be required to obtain informed consent from patients to document their chosen method of disposal and must comply with these requirements within seven days of the procedure, thus embedding the bill's provisions within the framework of existing Public Health Service laws.

Contention

Debate around SB1102 centers on issues of reproductive rights and women's healthcare autonomy. Proponents argue that it protects human dignity by ensuring proper handling of fetal remains, while opponents contend that it may restrict access to abortions and impose undue burdens on providers. Concerns have been raised that the requirement for cremation or interment could lead to increased costs for patients and providers, as well as complicate the abortion process by introducing additional procedural steps. The bill's proponents and opponents are likely to remain divided on the balance between regulation for dignity and women’s rights to choose healthcare options.

Companion Bills

US HB4345

Same As Dignity for Aborted Children Act

Previously Filed As

US HB4345

Dignity for Aborted Children Act

US SB242

Dignity for Aborted Children Act

US SB1640

DIGNITY FOR ABORTED CHILDREN

US SB0156

DIGNITY FOR ABORTED CHILDREN

US HB798

Dignity for Aborted Children ActThis bill establishes requirements for abortion providers with respect to the disposal of human fetal tissue from an abortion.Specifically, it requires abortion providers to obtain a patient's informed consent for one of two specified methods of disposition and to retain the corresponding documentation in the patient's file.First, patients may choose to retain possession of the tissue. A patient may choose to transfer the tissue to an entity that provides interment or cremation services.Second, patients may choose to release the tissue to the provider. Providers must ensure any tissue released to them is interred or cremated within seven days of the procedure in a manner consistent with state law regarding the disposal of human remains.Abortion providers must submit reports annually to the Department of Health and Human Services about these requirements and other specified information.The bill establishes civil penalties for violations of the requirement to retain documentation of informed consent, and it establishes criminal penalties for violations of the requirement regarding the disposal of human fetal tissue.

US SB1031

EACH Act of 2023 Equal Access to Abortion Coverage in Health Insurance Act of 2023

US HB12

Women's Health Protection Act of 2023 This bill prohibits governmental restrictions on the provision of, and access to, abortion services. Before fetal viability, governments may not restrict providers from using particular abortion procedures or drugs, offering abortion services via telemedicine, or immediately providing abortion services if delaying risks the patient's health. Furthermore, governments may not require providers to perform unnecessary medical procedures, provide medically inaccurate information, or comply with credentialing or other conditions that do not apply to providers who offer medically comparable services to abortions. Additionally, governments may not require patients to make medically unnecessary in-person visits before receiving abortion services or disclose their reasons for obtaining services. After fetal viability, governments may not restrict providers from performing abortions when necessary to protect a patient's life and health. The same provisions that apply to abortions before viability also apply to necessary abortions after viability. Additionally, states may authorize post-viability abortions in circumstances beyond those that the bill considers necessary. Further, the bill recognizes an individual's right to interstate travel, including for abortion services. The bill also prohibits governments from implementing measures that are similar to those restricted by the bill or that otherwise single out and impede access to abortion services, unless the measure significantly advances the safety of abortion services or health of patients and cannot be achieved through less restrictive means. The Department of Justice, individuals, or providers may sue states or government officials to enforce this bill, regardless of certain immunity that would otherwise apply.

US HB175

Heartbeat Protection Act of 2023 This bill makes it a crime for a physician to knowingly perform an abortion (1) without determining whether the unborn child has a detectable heartbeat, (2) without informing the mother of the results, or (3) after determining that a unborn child has a detectable heartbeat. A physician who performs a prohibited abortion is subject to criminal penalties—a fine, up to five years in prison, or both. The bill provides an exception for an abortion that is necessary to save the life of a mother whose life is endangered by a physical (but not psychological or emotional) disorder, illness, or condition. It also provides exceptions for certain pregnancies that are the result of rape or incest. A physician who performs or attempts to perform an abortion under an exception must comply with specified requirements. A woman who undergoes a prohibited abortion may not be prosecuted for violating or conspiring to violate the provisions of this bill.

US HB4303

Abortion Justice Act of 2023

US HB862

Dismemberment Abortion Ban Act of 2023

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.