Panel backs updating fetal‑death definition to match clinical dating
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Summary
Clinicians and lawmakers told the committee SB 60‑25 would let providers use the best clinically accurate gestational‑age (e.g., ultrasound) when reporting fetal death, reducing emotional and financial burdens on families and avoiding conflicts between law and clinical practice.
Senate Bill 60‑25 would change the legal definition of fetal death so that gestational age is calculated using the "best clinically accurate gestational age," rather than relying solely on last menstrual period or delivery date.
Committee staff outlined current vital‑records requirements and said the law now defines fetal death at 20 or more weeks based on the date of last menstrual period or a 350‑gram weight threshold when weeks are unknown. Sponsor Sen. Annette Cleveland described the change as a technical update to reflect advances in ultrasound and clinical dating.
Clinicians and nurse‑midwives testifying in support said the change removes a choice between breaking the law and recording clinically accurate information. Rachel Johnson, an advanced registered nurse practitioner and certified nurse‑midwife, said using ultrasound dating avoids forcing families into unnecessary funeral and paperwork processes after second‑trimester loss. Dr. Lisonbee, an OB‑GYN, emphasized the bill "has nothing to do with an elective abortion" and instead allows clinical judgment for accurate records.
Supporters argued the update would reduce the emotional and financial burden on grieving families and remove legal conflicts for providers filling out required paperwork. The committee closed public testimony and moved on without taking final action on Feb. 18.