Louisiana Bill Regarding Post-Abortion Fetal Tissue Disposal (HB 273)

HB 273 would provide an exception to the state requirement for post-abortion interment or cremation of fetal remains.

The bill would provide an exception in the case of a pregnant person taking a pill to induce an abortion, which occurs after the appointment with the physician and not at the facility.

The bill would require the health department to promulgate all rules as are necessary to facilitate the transfer and burial of aborted human remains in a manner consistent with the transfer and burial of unclaimed human remains.

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Related Legislation

This bill amends HB 815, which was passed in 2016 and requires a physician who performs or induces an abortion to ensure the fetal remains are disposed of by burial or cremation. The law was challenged in court and the case is still pending (see June Medical Services v. Gee (2016)).

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STATUS

Passed the house on April 10, 2018, by a 95-0 vote.

Passed the senate on May 7, 2018, by a 31-0 vote.

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People