STATEHOUSE—State Representative Hal Slager (R-Schererville) authored House Bill 1190 which provides parents that have suffered through a miscarriage with resources and information on their options. HB 1190 passed out of the Senate yesterday unanimously. Rep. Slager’s bill would affect current law regarding the treatment of families suffering a miscarriage. Under current law, hospitals are not required to provide any information to parents of how to properly handle miscarried remains. Some hospitals handle the remains if a miscarriage occurs 20 weeks or earlier into the pregnancy. This bill will give parents options regardless of the duration of the pregnancy. “This is a very sensitive and emotionally distressing issue to even think about, let alone experience,” said Slager. “I want to ensure that parents going through this tragedy have a strong support system of information in the hospital. We need to empower health care providers to give parents the ability to grieve how they choose.” HB 1190 also requires hospitals to explain the parents’ rights to decide, provide them with information of different options and inform them of any counseling opportunities that are available. “By providing parents information and options, the process of healing can begin in a healthy way,” said Slager. HB 1190 will now move to Governor Pence’s desk to be signed into law. The bill will take effect July 1, 2014. For the most up-to-date information, visit www.in.gov/legislative. |
