SB 110 - Under this act, a physician performing or inducing a surgical abortion or a qualified professional shall inform the woman at least 72 hours prior to the abortion that she may choose to have the remains of the unborn child buried or cremated, at her expense, following the tissue examination. Prior to the abortion procedure, the woman, if she chooses to bury or cremate the remains, shall sign a form stating her preference and the name of the funeral establishment that will transfer the remains for final disposition. The form and any amendments to it shall be made part of the woman's medical record. If the woman does not choose to bury or cremate the remains of the unborn child, the remains shall be disposed of in accordance with existing state law. Additionally, the physician or qualified professional shall inform the woman that she has the right to obtain a death certificate for the unborn child. If the woman decides to request that a death certificate be created, the physician who performed or induced the abortion shall, within 72 hours of the procedure, file a completed notification of death with the state registrar in accordance with rules promulgated by the Department of Health and Senior Services. The state registrar shall issue a death certificate for the unborn child only to the mother and only upon application from the mother. The mother may choose to have the cause of death left blank. Any death certificate issued under this provision shall include the statement "This certificate is for personal use only and is not proof of a live birth". The certificates, applications for the certificates, and the notifications of death shall be considered closed records and shall not be transferred to the Missouri State Archives, disclosed for research purposes, or included in any national, state, or local vital statistics systems. The registrar may charge a nominal fee for the actual costs of providing the certificate.
SARAH HASKINS