Nice wins unanimous Senate approval for stillborn death certificate bill

OKLAHOMA CITY – Sen. Nikki Nice has won unanimous approval by the full Senate for legislation to better help families after the loss of a child due to miscarriage or stillbirth. Senate Bill 1436 requires hospitals to provide a form to the mother to explain the process for requesting a stillborn death certificate.

 “Families who have been preparing to welcome a new baby are suddenly dealing with trauma and loss and may not be aware that this is something they may need for financial or other legal reasons,” said Nice, D-Oklahoma City. “This constituent request bill is about making sure the information about obtaining a fetal death certificate is communicated to family members by the hospital during this difficult time.” 

Under SB 1436, the State Department of Health will develop the form explaining the process for requesting a fetal death certificate and providing contact information for the Division of Vital Records. The legislation also directs the hospital to ensure that its staff verbally communicates that the woman or family may request the certificates listed on the form.

SB 1436 now moves to the House of Representatives and will be carried by House principal author, Rep. Cynthia Roe, R-Lindsay. 

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For more information, contact:  Sen. Nikki Nice at 405-521-5531 or Nikki.Nice@oksenate.gov