The "Dignity for Aborted Children Act" establishes federal requirements for the disposition of human fetal tissue following an abortion. It mandates that abortion providers present patients with an informed consent form, offering two primary options for the tissue's disposal. Patients may choose to take possession of the human fetal tissue themselves for interment or cremation, or they may elect to release it to the abortion provider. If the tissue is released to the provider, the bill makes it unlawful for the provider to fail to ensure its final disposition through interment or cremation within seven days of the procedure, adhering to state laws regarding human remains. The legislation allows for the collective interment or cremation of tissue from multiple abortion procedures. Abortion providers are required to retain consent forms and submit annual reports detailing the number of abortions performed, gestational ages, and disposal methods for non-chemical abortions. Violations of the consent documentation requirements can result in civil monetary penalties up to $50,000, while failure to properly dispose of fetal tissue can lead to fines, imprisonment for up to five years, or both. The bill explicitly states that patients cannot be prosecuted for violations of these provisions and does not preempt stricter state requirements for fetal remains disposal.
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Dignity for Aborted Children Act
USA119th CongressHR-798| House
| Updated: 1/28/2025
The "Dignity for Aborted Children Act" establishes federal requirements for the disposition of human fetal tissue following an abortion. It mandates that abortion providers present patients with an informed consent form, offering two primary options for the tissue's disposal. Patients may choose to take possession of the human fetal tissue themselves for interment or cremation, or they may elect to release it to the abortion provider. If the tissue is released to the provider, the bill makes it unlawful for the provider to fail to ensure its final disposition through interment or cremation within seven days of the procedure, adhering to state laws regarding human remains. The legislation allows for the collective interment or cremation of tissue from multiple abortion procedures. Abortion providers are required to retain consent forms and submit annual reports detailing the number of abortions performed, gestational ages, and disposal methods for non-chemical abortions. Violations of the consent documentation requirements can result in civil monetary penalties up to $50,000, while failure to properly dispose of fetal tissue can lead to fines, imprisonment for up to five years, or both. The bill explicitly states that patients cannot be prosecuted for violations of these provisions and does not preempt stricter state requirements for fetal remains disposal.
AbortionCemeteries and funeralsCensus and government statisticsCivil actions and liabilityCongressional oversightCriminal investigation, prosecution, interrogationHealth information and medical recordsHealth personnel