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For Immediate
Release
5/24/11
Listen
Corman Bill Creating a "Certificate of
Birth Resulting in Stillbirth" Unanimously Passes Senate
Harrisburg – The Senate of Pennsylvania unanimously passed legislation
sponsored by Sen. Jake Corman (R-Bellefonte) to allow a parent to request a
"Certificate of Birth Resulting in Stillbirth" from the Pennsylvania Department
of Health.
Senate Bill 326 would provide parents with documentation when a child is
stillborn -- something Corman said can help families through the grieving and
healing process. According to Sen. Corman, at least 20 other states have
adopted similar legislation.
"This issue was brought to me by a resident of my senatorial district, and I
am proud that we were able to pass it out of the Senate," Corman said.
"Stillbirths are a tragedy for parents, and often times they feel no sense of
healing or closure because there is no documentation of their child's birth."
At the option of the parent, the name of the child, the names of the parents
and birth place can be included on the certificate. The cost of a certificate
would be covered by the parent and would be the same as a death certificate.
"This issue has been one that I have been pressing for resolution on for some
time," Corman said. "I believe that this year we have our best shot ever to get
this bill though the House and on the governor's desk."
Senate Bill 326 now goes to the state House of Representatives for
consideration.
Contact:
Scott Sikorski
717-787-1377
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