SB 943 - This act requires disclosure to the Department of Health of the transfer of human fetal parts for research purposes. It revises Section 188.037, RSMo, which currently prohibits the use of any aborted viable fetus for research purposes, unless it is necessary to preserve the life or health of the fetus.

This act defines "human fetal parts" as a deceased fetus or child who is delivered by induced or spontaneous abortion, and "valuable consideration" as methods of payment or debt incurrence associated with the transfer of human fetal parts. Any abortion facility, as defined in Section 188.015, RSMo, or transferee of an abortion facility or hospital is prohibited from transferring human fetal parts for valuable consideration without properly disclosing to the Department of Health the information surrounding the transfer. Such facilities are also prohibited from shipping human fetal parts without full disclosure of the contents to the shipping carrier.

Section 188.037, RSMo, will not apply to the unpaid transfer by families of human fetal parts to a pathologist for testing or for burial or cremation. Any individual violating this section will be guilty of a Class A misdemeanor and may also be fined up to twice the amount of valuable consideration received for the transfer of human fetal parts.

This act is similar to HB 1826 and similar to portions of HCS/SBs 617 & 646.
ERIN MOTLEY