Texas House Bill HB1343

Texas 2021 - 87th Regular

Caption

Relating to a certificate of birth resulting in stillbirth.

Impact

The modifications brought by HB1343 will affect the existing protocols related to fetal death certificates in Texas. By allowing parents to obtain a certificate of birth resulting in stillbirth without specific date limitations, the bill ensures that families can memorialize their stillborn children, potentially easing the grieving process. This change also emphasizes the state's acknowledgment of the emotional impact of stillbirth on families and considers their need for official recognition.

Summary

House Bill 1343 proposes amendments related to certificates of birth resulting from stillbirths. The bill defines 'stillbirth' as an unintended fetal death occurring after a gestational age of not less than 20 completed weeks. It aims to give parents the right to request a certificate of birth for a stillborn child, thereby recognizing the loss and allowing parents to document their child's existence formally. This is significant as it can provide parents with a sense of closure and acknowledgment of their loss.

Contention

While the bill presents an opportunity for grieving parents, it may also lead to discussions on the implications of such recognitions in terms of healthcare policies and emotional support systems. Critics may argue about the administrative burdens on the vital statistics unit and the potential for the misinterpretation of statistics related to fetal deaths. It is essential for discussions around this bill to balance the need for emotional support for families with the practicalities of implementing changes in state record-keeping practices.