Missouri Bill Regarding Custody of In Vitro Human Embryos (HB 788)

This law was last updated on Aug 30, 2019

State

Missouri

Number

HB 788

Status

Failed to Pass

Proposed

Jan 31, 2019

Topics

Fetal Tissue, Human Embryo and Fetal Research, Personhood

Full Bill Text

www.house.mo.gov

HB 788 would require courts in a divorce proceeding to determine custody of an in vitro human embryo in accordance with the “best interest of the in vitro human embryo”—awarding in vitro embryos to the spouse that intends to allow the embryos to develop to birth.

The courts would be required to resolve a dispute between parties in the manner that provides the best chance for the in vitro human embryo to develop and grow.

The bill would allow the ovum donor, sperm donor, and surrogate—with limited standing—to petition the court or intervene in a case.

Related Legislation

Similar to Arizona’s SB 1393, which became law in 2018.

Similar to HB 112/SB 432 (2017), SB 1129, and HB 2558 (2016), all of which failed to pass.

Latest Action

1/31/19 – Introduced.