Politics ahead
Overview of HB1677 on report of fetal death. This links to a decidedly liberal take on the issue below, but no matter your political orientation, I think this is an important issue for any woman to think about. I have no idea if this actually has a chance at passing, but the fact that was even introduced is appalling.
As an amendment of Virginia HOUSE BILL NO. 1677, it will become a Class 1 Misdemeanor in Virginia if a woman who miscarries without a doctor in attendance does not report the miscarriage to the police within 12 hours.
Exact text of this part of the amendment to the bill: "When a fetal death occurs without medical attendance, it shall be the woman's responsibility to report the death to the law-enforcement agency in the jurisdiction of which the delivery occurs within 12 hours after the delivery. A violation of this section shall be punishable as a Class 1 misdemeanor."
12 hours. A doctor has at least 24 hours to make his report. Think about that.
As an amendment of Virginia HOUSE BILL NO. 1677, it will become a Class 1 Misdemeanor in Virginia if a woman who miscarries without a doctor in attendance does not report the miscarriage to the police within 12 hours.
Exact text of this part of the amendment to the bill: "When a fetal death occurs without medical attendance, it shall be the woman's responsibility to report the death to the law-enforcement agency in the jurisdiction of which the delivery occurs within 12 hours after the delivery. A violation of this section shall be punishable as a Class 1 misdemeanor."
12 hours. A doctor has at least 24 hours to make his report. Think about that.