Children: protection; reporting death of a newborn after surrender to a newborn safety device; expand. Amends sec. 2843 of 1978 PA 368 (MCL 333.2843). TIE BAR WITH: SB 0627'23
The enactment of SB 628 will particularly influence how death records are processed for infants who are born alive following an attempted abortion yet later die. By tightening the regulations on how such cases are reported and classified, the legislation attempts to create a more organized method for tracking these unfortunate occurrences within Michigan's public health system. This change has legal and social implications, enforcing stricter reporting protocols which can facilitate better data collection for future public health assessments. Moreover, the bill's requirements may prompt medical practitioners to adhere to a more conscientious approach when dealing with sensitive cases of infant mortality following abortion attempts.
Senate Bill 628 aims to amend the Public Health Code to enhance the reporting requirements for the death of newborns, specifically those who survive an attempted abortion and later pass away. The bill stipulates that a funeral director must report such deaths, ensuring that medical certification is obtained within a specified timeframe. By clearly defining procedures and responsibilities for funeral directors and the attending physicians, the bill seeks to improve the accuracy and accountability of death reporting in these sensitive cases. The act also emphasizes the confidentiality aspects by designating that deceased infants in particular circumstances will be referred to as 'Baby Doe' with strict guidelines on the anonymity of their identification.
Although the bill has been advanced by its proponents as necessary for safety and health reporting, it carries potential contention in its implications about abortion and maternal care practices. Critics could argue that categorizing infants who died after being surrendered under special circumstances as 'Baby Doe' may invoke broader ethical and legal debates regarding abortion rights, parental rights, and medical practice guidelines. There is also a concern among some health professionals and advocates about the potential stigmatization of the term used for deceased infants in these specific circumstances, which could overshadow the emotional context of such sad events and influence public perception.