Missouri Senate Bill SB737

Missouri 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/5/22
• Refer: 1/13/22

Caption

Modifies provisions relating to abortion

Impact

Beyond the informed consent clauses, SB737 introduces stricter regulations on the way fetal remains are handled post-abortion. It prohibits the sale, trade, or donation of fetal tissue, framing these actions within the context of potential ethical dilemmas and public sensitivity. This legislation aims to reduce discomfort around the perception of commodification of fetal remains, thus upholding the dignity of both the unborn and the grieving families. The bill outlines that fetal remains must be either returned to the mother for appropriate burial or transferred to a licensed funeral establishment for final disposition, thus changing previous practices regarding medical waste.

Summary

Senate Bill 737 is designed to amend existing laws concerning the regulation of abortion and the handling of fetal remains. The bill emphasizes the necessity for informed consent from women considering abortion, mandating that they receive comprehensive, medically accurate information about the procedure's risks, available alternatives, and the gestational age of the fetus. Specifically, it requires a minimum of seventy-two hours for a woman to contemplate her decision after such information is provided. Medical practitioners are obligated to ensure that consent is given voluntarily and without coercion, tailored to uphold patient autonomy and address potential pressures women might face.

Contention

Notably, the bill raises significant points of contention among various stakeholders. Advocates for women's rights argue that such stringent regulations could infringe upon the rights of women to make decisions regarding their own bodies and may exacerbate feelings of guilt and stigma surrounding abortion. Conversely, proponents claim the bill fosters a culture that values life and respects the autonomy of grieving families by ensuring dignified treatment of fetal remains. Additionally, ethical concerns surrounding the commercialization and treatment of human tissue are central to the debate, generating strong opinions on both sides.