Families with stillborn babies seek birth certificates

Associated Press
Posted on Thu, Mar. 31, 2005

ST. PAUL - Women whose babies died before they were delivered are making personal
appeals to lawmakers to let mothers like them get birth certificates for stillborn
children.

And so far, legislators are listening. On a unanimous vote Wednesday, the House 
Health and Human Services Policy Committee endorsed a bill that would give the 
official recognition for stillborns.

Five years ago, Susan Lacek learned her baby, Faith, died while still in the womb. 
The family still prays for Faith and hangs stockings for her at Christmas.

"How can we get a death certificate if we didn't get a birth certificate?" Lacek 
asked.

The measure is sponsored by Woodbury Republican Rep. Karen Klinzing, who 
experienced her own tragedy with a newborn. In 2003, her 4-week-old son William 
died after being born with a severe birth defect.

"My rationale for supporting this bill is that grief is a really difficult thing 
for parents who are experiencing the death of an infant. Something that can 
really help in the process of dealing with the grief is a record of mementos," 
Klinzing said.

Wisconsin, Arizona and several other states have recently passed laws allowing 
birth certificates for stillbirths.

In 2002, there were about six fetal deaths after 20 weeks of pregnancy for each 
1,000 live births, according to national statistics.

There are two bills under consideration in the Senate on the issue.

Sen. Michele Bachmann, R-Stillwater, is pushing legislation identical to 
Klinzing's bill.

The other bill, sponsored by Sen. Ellen Anderson, DFL-St. Paul, would specify 
that fetuses expelled through "induced termination of pregnancy" would not be 
considered stillborn.

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Information from: St. Paul Pioneer Press, http://www.twincities.com

© 2005 AP Wire and wire service sources. All Rights Reserved.