Protecting the Dignity of Unborn Children Act of 2023
This bill prohibits the reckless disposal of fetal remains (deceased fetal tissue from abortion, excluding cremated remains) in landfills or navigable waters, with penalties of up to three years in prison or fines. It directly affects individuals or entities handling such remains, such as medical facilities or disposal services, but explicitly excludes women from prosecution for disposing of their own fetal remains. Key provisions define "fetal remains," "landfill," and "navigable waters" using existing federal terms, clarifying the scope of prohibited actions. The law aims to establish federal standards for the handling of fetal remains after abortion, focusing on disposal methods rather than abortion access. It does not alter abortion procedures or create new restrictions on abortion services.
Bill status
in committee
1 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Jan 2023
Committee Review
Floor Vote
President
Introduced Jan 20, 2023
Last action Jan 20, 2023
Floor votes
How they voted
No floor votes recorded yet.
Full legislative history
Actions timeline
Total actions
2
Key actions
0
Committee
1
Jan 20, 2023
Committee
Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
lower
Jan 20, 2023
Introduced
Introduced in House
lower
1 primary · 7 co-sponsors
Sponsors
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