Texas House Bill HB881

Texas 2019 - 86th Regular

Caption

Relating to the right of a parent of a deceased person to view the person's body before an autopsy is performed.

Impact

The legislation is intended to enhance the emotional support parents receive during the traumatic experience of losing a child by allowing them to see their child's body within the parameters of legal guidelines. The bill stipulates that any viewing must be supervised and outlines conditions under which parents can view the body, including the necessity of consent from the justice of the peace or medical examiner. By updating the procedures surrounding body viewing, the bill works to balance parental rights with procedural integrity in the context of death investigations.

Summary

House Bill 881 amends existing statutes in the Code of Criminal Procedure to grant parents of deceased individuals the right to view their child's body before an autopsy is performed. The bill specifies that parents can view their child's body under certain conditions, primarily before the justice of the peace or medical examiner takes control of the body. This amendment seeks to provide parents with a moment of closure prior to any legal procedures that may follow after a death, particularly in cases where an autopsy is warranted.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB 881 appears to be generally positive, focusing on the compassionate aspect of allowing parents this opportunity during a difficult time. Advocates of the bill argue that parents should have the right to say a final goodbye to their deceased child and to have the opportunity for closure before an autopsy. This sentiment resonates with many in the community, highlighting the importance of familial bonds and the significance of parental involvement in the final moments of their child's life.

Contention

Though the bill received broad support, it does raise questions about the optimal balance between parental rights and the legal procedures that govern death investigations. Critics may argue about the potential for emotional distress in allowing views of bodies in cases where investigations may become complicated, although these concerns were not prominently raised in legislative discussions. Ultimately, the bill restricts viewing options to specific circumstances, thus reflecting an effort to standardize practices while still addressing the emotional needs of grieving parents.