House Passes Ryan’s “Unborn Child Dignity Act”
HARRISBURG: Late this afternoon, the House passed legislation sponsored by Rep. Frank Ryan (R-Lebanon), to give parents who suffer miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy or stillbirth the right to claim their child’s remains for proper cremation or burial at their own expense.
House Bill 118, which was amended in the House on Tuesday to clarify that the bill does not require a fetal death certificate, passed by a vote of 118-83 and now goes to the Senate for consideration.
“After my family suffered the loss of a child more than 40-years ago to a mid-term miscarriage, we were further traumatized by the fact that we were not provided the opportunity to claim our son’s remains and give him the dignity of a proper burial,” said Ryan. “Since then, I have heard from countless others who have experienced similar circumstances, and each time, I relive the pain of our loss.
“The intent behind my bill is compassion. Pure and simple. I was not given the chance to claim my child’s remains and for that I have lived a lifetime of pain and regret, but House Bill 118 would provide that opportunity for others. My bill would offer choice and help bring closure and peace to those who experience the loss of an unborn child.”
In his floor remarks today, Ryan describes his motivation for House Bill 118.
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Representative Frank Ryan
101st Legislative District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
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