Protecting the Dignity of Unborn Children Act of 2023 This bill establishes a new criminal offense for recklessly disposing of or abandoning fetal remains in a landfill or in any navigable waters of the United States. The term fetal remains means any part (except a cremated part) of a deceased human fetus following an abortion. A violator is subject to a fine, up to three years in prison, or both.
If enacted, HB 428 would classify reckless disposal of fetal remains as a criminal offense, punishable by a fine, imprisonment up to three years, or both. The definition of 'fetal remains' is specific to any part of a deceased human fetus that results from an abortion, excluding any parts that have been cremated. By creating this legal framework, the bill attempts to address concerns surrounding abortion-related practices and the related handling of fetal remains, reflecting broader societal debates on reproductive rights and dignity.
House Bill 428, titled the 'Protecting the Dignity of Unborn Children Act of 2023', seeks to amend Title 18 of the United States Code by instituting a new criminal offense concerning the disposal of fetal remains. Specifically, the bill prohibits any individual from unlawfully disposing of or abandoning fetal remains in a landfill or navigable waters. The legislation aims to protect the dignity of unborn children by ensuring that their remains are treated with respect and not discarded improperly.
This bill has the potential to spark significant public debate and raise ethical and legal questions. Notably, the law explicitly states that women cannot be prosecuted for the disposal of their own fetal remains, which could mitigate some concerns regarding the implications of the law on women's reproductive rights. However, opponents may still argue that the bill could lead to undue complications for healthcare providers and affect the manner in which medical practitioners handle fetal remains, thus adding strain to an already sensitive matter surrounding abortion and reproductive health.