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Committee backs bill to standardize bereavement care after pregnancy and infant loss

Health and Human Services Committee · February 18, 2026

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Summary

HB 559 would require bereavement certification training for clinicians in emergency, OB/GYN and labor-and-delivery settings, supply memory-making resources and recognize October as pregnancy and infant loss awareness month; the committee passed the bill unanimously following emotional testimony from families.

Representative Ryan Wilcox told the committee HB 559 grew out of constituent experiences and aims to create consistent, trauma-informed standards for care after pregnancy and infant loss. The bill would designate October as pregnancy and infant loss awareness month in Utah, require bereavement-training standards for clinicians in emergency, OB/GYN and labor-and-delivery settings, and require hospitals to offer supports such as cuddle cots, memory-making opportunities and referrals to grief services. "This legislation does not seek to assign fault. It seeks to establish compassionate, consistent standards of care," said Hailey Lewis of Share Parents of Utah, who testified with personal experience.

Several committee members and public witnesses described personal losses and urged adoption. Tiffany Lindstrom, a volunteer with Share Parents and a bereaved parent, told the committee that inconsistent hospital practices left families making decisions "from shock" and led to lasting regret. Representative Clancy moved the committee to favorably recommend the bill; members described the measure as trauma-informed and said they would work with stakeholders on implementation details. The committee passed HB 559 unanimously and forwarded it to the full House.