H.R.686 - Protecting the Dignity of Unborn Children Act of 2025 (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R.686, the Protecting the Dignity of Unborn Children Act of 2025, aims to amend Title 18 of the United States Code to prohibit the unlawful disposal of fetal remains. The bill specifically targets the reckless disposal or abandonment of fetal remains in landfills or navigable waters. It defines 'fetal remains' as any part of a deceased human fetus resulting from an abortion, excluding cremated remains.
Expected Effects
If enacted, this bill would establish federal criminal penalties for the improper disposal of fetal remains. It would likely lead to increased scrutiny of medical waste disposal practices, particularly those related to abortion procedures. The bill explicitly states that it should not be construed to authorize the prosecution of women for the disposal of their unborn child's remains.
Potential Benefits
- May provide a sense of closure and respect for individuals or groups who believe fetal remains should be treated with dignity.
- Could lead to improved standards and practices for medical waste disposal, potentially reducing environmental contamination.
- May deter unethical or negligent practices in the handling of fetal remains.
- Could foster a greater societal awareness of the ethical considerations surrounding abortion and fetal remains.
- Potentially reduces the risk of water contamination from improperly disposed remains.
Most Benefited Areas:
Potential Disadvantages
- May be perceived as an attempt to restrict abortion access or stigmatize abortion procedures.
- Could create additional regulatory burdens for healthcare providers, potentially increasing costs.
- The definition of 'recklessly disposes of or abandons' may be vague, leading to potential legal challenges.
- May disproportionately affect low-income individuals or communities with limited access to healthcare resources.
- Could lead to increased emotional distress for women who have undergone abortions.
Most Disadvantaged Areas:
Constitutional Alignment
The bill's constitutional alignment is complex and potentially contentious. While Congress has the power to regulate navigable waters under the Commerce Clause (Article I, Section 8), the regulation of fetal remains disposal may be viewed by some as an infringement on privacy rights, potentially implicating the Fourteenth Amendment. The bill explicitly states it does not authorize prosecution of women, which could be seen as an attempt to avoid constitutional challenges related to abortion rights as established in Roe v. Wade and later Planned Parenthood v. Casey.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).