House of Representatives

HB 2416

certificates of stillbirth

Sponsors: Jarrett, Cooley, Anderson, et al

DPA	Committee on Health
X	Caucus and COW
	As Passed the House

HB 2416 establishes a certificate for births resulting in stillbirth.

History

In 1999, there were 600 fetal deaths with a gestation period of 20 completed weeks or more in Arizona. Current law requires a fetal death certificate for each fetal death meeting the 20-week requirement to be filed with the designated registrar. HB 2416 would require DHS to also establish a certificate of birth resulting in stillbirth for each fetal death meeting the same time frame. HB 2416 further requires the certificate to meet the live birth certificate format and filing requirements.

Provisions

· Requires the State Registrar of Vital Statistics [DHS] to establish a certificate of birth resulting in stillbirth for each fetal death occurring after 20 completed weeks of gestation.

· Mandates the certificate of birth resulting in stillbirth meet the same format and filing requirements as those relating to a live birth.

· Provides for the person preparing the certificate to leave blank any references to the stillborn child’s name if the parents choose.

· Allows for this section to be cited as the Missing Angels Act.

HB 2416 was amended in the Health Committee as follows:

· Requires the State Registrar of Vital Statistics to provide a certificate of birth resulting in stillbirth upon request of the parent or parents.

· Permits parent or parents to provide a name for the stillborn child.

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· 44th Legislature

· Second Regular Session 2 January 24, 2001

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