What does the MISSing Angels Bill do?
This change would require the state’s vital records office to issue a “Certificate of Birth, Resulting in Stillbirth” for each stillbirth under two criteria: 1) they meet the medical/legal definition of stillbirth (naturally occurring, intrauterine death that occurs after the 20th week of pregnancy all the way up to birth) and 2) it is available as an optional document to parents upon request. Though stillbirth automatically excludes elected terminations, most states introduce additional language that states, “This does not include elected terminations of pregnancy.” Talking points about the “Certificate of Birth resulting in Stillbirth”: There are vast psychological benefits of this legislation. This bill extends much needed dignity and compassion to women who endure the death and the birth of their baby. The state’s refusal to validate the experience of childbirth is inexcusable. The mother of a stillborn baby must still give birth to her dead infant. All states require the issuance
