Bill toAllow Death Certificates to be Issued in Stillborn Deaths Filed

FRANKFORT, Ky. (February 7, 2012) – Representative Myron Dossett, R-Pembroke (9^th District) has filed a bill for the 2012 Legislative Session that if passed would allow parents of a stillborn child to apply for a death certificate with the Commonwealth of Kentucky. 

“I was approached by a couple in my district whose child was stillborn and wanted to honor its memory by getting a death certificate,” said Rep. Dossett.  “This bill seeks to allow Kentucky parents the same honor and respect this loving couple wants in paying homage to their unborn child.”

 Under Rep. Dossett’s proposal any couple whose child fits the definition of “early fetal death,” which means a spontaneous fetal death prior to 20 weeks of gestation, could apply with the Commonwealth for a death certificate.  This bill would not require the Cabinet for Health and Family Services, who are responsible for the issuance of birth and death certificates, to investigate any early fetal death.  Rep. Dossett said that is consistent with the fact that the Cabinet currently does not investigate cases involving a miscarriage.  It also would stipulate that any records related to early fetal death or the certificate issued be kept private, which Rep. Dossett adds is to protect the privacy of the parents. 

HR 210 can be viewed at this link: http://www.lrc.ky.gov/record/12rs/HB210.htm.