Committee hears bill to let clinicians use best clinically accurate gestational age for fetal‑death reports
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Summary
SB 60 25 would change Washington's vital‑records definition of fetal death so 20 or more weeks is calculated by the best clinically accurate gestational age (e.g., ultrasound) rather than solely by last menstrual period, aiming to reduce burden for families and clinicians.
The House Health Care and Wellness Committee received testimony Feb. 18 on SB 60 25, a bill to update the definition of fetal death in Washington's vital‑records statutes. Committee staff described the current law as tying fetal‑death reporting to the last menstrual period or delivery date; the bill would permit use of the best clinically accurate gestational age, such as ultrasound dating, to determine whether a fetal death occurred at 20 or more weeks.
Senator Annette Cleveland, prime sponsor, described personal experience with pregnancy loss and said the change is a narrow technical fix that reflects modern clinical tools. Multiple clinicians — including an advanced‑practice nurse‑midwife, a board‑certified OB‑GYN, and the Washington State Medical Association — testified the bill reduces emotional and financial burdens on families and removes a statutory conflict that can force providers to record dates they know are clinically inaccurate.
Clinicians emphasized that the change does not alter laws governing elective abortion. Witnesses urged passage as a simple update to align law with clinical practice. The committee did not take a vote at the hearing.
