Texas House Bill HB619

Texas 2017 - 85th Regular

• Filed: 12/16/16

Caption

Relating to a certificate of birth resulting in stillbirth.

Impact

The introduction of HB 619 is expected to have a profound impact on how stillbirths are recognized and documented in Texas. By formalizing the issuance of a birth certificate for stillborn children, the bill not only provides parents a method to memorialize their child, but also helps in statistical tracking within the state's vital statistics division. These changes can potentially lead to improved healthcare responses and support systems for families experiencing stillbirth, as it adds another layer of accountability in perinatal care.

Summary

House Bill 619 aims to establish a legal framework for the issuance of a certificate of birth resulting in stillbirth in the state of Texas. The bill amends existing provisions under the Health and Safety Code regarding stillbirth, defining it specifically as an unintended intrauterine fetal death occurring after a gestational age of at least 20 completed weeks. One of the notable changes proposed by this bill includes clarifying the processes through which parents can obtain a certificate, thereby honoring the memory of their stillborn child while also ensuring documentation for vital statistics.

Contention

While the bill aims to provide clarity and comfort to grieving parents, it may raise points of contention regarding the responsibilities of healthcare providers in communicating the options available to parents when stillbirth occurs. Critics could argue that the bill places additional burdens on medical professionals to ensure compliance with the notification and documentation process. Additionally, there may be concerns related to data privacy and the implications of registering stillbirths in state statistics, raising questions about how this data will be utilized.