The Bereaved Parents Rights Act requires hospitals and freestanding birth centers to inform parents about their options for handling fetal remains following a miscarriage or stillbirth. Within six hours after a miscarriage or stillbirth, or before the parent leaves the facility, whichever comes first, facilities must notify parents in writing of their rights to arrange for private or common burial, cremation, or institutional disposal of the fetus. If parents choose burial or cremation within 72 hours of receiving notice, the facility must follow their state's standard fetal death disposition procedures. The bill applies to all hospitals and birth centers participating in Medicare and takes effect 30 days after enactment. Parents who believe a facility violated these requirements can sue in federal court for damages.
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