To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to require hospitals and freestanding birth centers to notify each mother of a miscarried fetus of her rights with respect to such fetus, and for other purposes.
About This Bill
Committee
Latest Action · May 13, 2026
Referred to the Committee on Ways and Means, and in addition to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
The Bereaved Parents Rights Act requires hospitals and freestanding birth centers that receive Medicare funding to notify parents within six hours of a miscarriage or stillbirth about their options for handling the fetus, including private or common burial, cremation, or hospital disposal. The notification must use a form developed by the federal government and give parents up to 72 hours to choose burial or cremation, with those options following the same regulations that apply to fetal deaths in their state. The bill applies to all hospitals and birth centers participating in Medicare and takes effect 30 days after enactment. Parents who are harmed by a hospital's failure to follow these requirements can sue in federal court for damages. The legislation does not specify new federal funding but amends existing Medicare requirements under the Social Security Act.
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