Bereaved Parents Rights Act

This legislative proposal aims to amend Title XVIII of the Social Security Act to establish new requirements for hospitals and freestanding birth centers. Its primary purpose is to ensure that parents who experience a miscarriage or stillbirth are fully informed of their rights regarding the disposition of their fetus. Specifically, these facilities would be mandated to notify parents within six hours of the event or upon discharge, whichever comes first, about available options for the fetus's remains. These options include private or common burial cremation or disposal by the hospital or birth center itself , with the notification provided via a standardized form developed by the Secretary. Should parents elect, in writing, to arrange for burial or cremation within 72 hours of receiving this notice, the facility must then ensure that the chosen disposition adheres to the applicable state laws governing fetal death. Furthermore, the bill establishes a provision allowing individuals harmed by a violation of these requirements to bring a civil action in a U.S. district court for appropriate relief.