FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 11, 2018

Contact: Nate Grasz
Policy Director, Nebraska Family Alliance
nate@nebraskafamilyalliance.org
402-477-3191

LINCOLN, NE – Today, the Legislature gave final round approval to LB 1040 which creates an optional commemorative birth certificate for families who experience a miscarriage before 20 weeks gestation. This bill is the second of its kind to be passed in the United States; however, it’s the first to be retroactive and requires no minimum gestation to qualify for the certificate.

Following the bill’s passage, Nate Grasz, Policy Director of Nebraska Family Alliance, said:

“It’s estimated 1 in 4 pregnancies end in miscarriage, and the grief of that loss is as real as the life itself. NFA is proud to support Senator Albrecht’s bill to extend this commemorative certificate to families who experience a miscarriage. This small, compassionate change to the law makes our state an innovative leader in supporting grieving families.”

The commemorative certificate will include the child’s name and gender if known. Families can request a certificate for a verified pregnancy by notifying their doctor. The doctor would provide a brief letter or sign a form created by Department of Health and Human Services that the family would submit to the Department. The Department would then provide the certificate within 60 days at only the cost of creating the document.

LB 1040 is a natural extension of a 2008 law introduced by former senator Danielle Conrad to provide a similar commemorative birth certificate to families who experience a stillbirth after 20 weeks gestation.

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Nebraska Family Alliance
Nebraska Family Alliance exists to advance family, freedom and life by influencing policy, mobilizing prayer, and empowering people.
Nebraska Family Alliance

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