Virginia House Bill HB584

Virginia 2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/9/24
• Refer: 1/9/24

Caption

Stillbirth Support Grant Program; established.

Impact

The implementation of HB 584 could have a significant impact on state laws pertaining to parental support and reproductive health. By formalizing a grant program, the state is recognizing the emotional and financial burdens faced by families who undergo such traumatic experiences. The establishment of this program may also pave the way for further legislative actions aimed at providing additional support for grieving families in the future.

Summary

House Bill 584 establishes the Stillbirth Support Grant Program in the Code of Virginia. This program is designed to provide financial support to parents who experience a stillbirth. The bill defines a 'stillborn child' as one that is delivered after a gestational period of 20 weeks and for whom a Certificate of Birth Resulting in Stillbirth has been issued. The purpose of the grant is to assist with out-of-pocket expenses that the parents may incur as a result of the stillbirth, offering a total grant amount of $1,500 per incident.

Contention

While the bill presents potential benefits, discussions around its funding and administrative processes were likely points of contention. Concerns may arise regarding the sustainability of the program, the source of funding, and the effectiveness of the administrative guidelines set by the Board. Additionally, the relatively low grant amount may be questioned by advocates who argue for more substantial support for families facing such difficult circumstances.