Larkin Stillbirth Legislation Passes Senate

William J. Larkin Jr.

June 16, 2011

Senator Bill Larkin (R-C,Cornwall-on-Hudson) announced today that the New York State Senate has passed legislation which will direct the Department of Health to establish a "Certificate of Still Birth" which can be issued upon request to families suffering a stillbirth.

 

"To families who have suffered this terrible loss, the Certificate of Still Birth will help them to begin the healing process," said Senator Larkin. "My heart goes out to everyone who has endured this tragedy and I hope this acknowledgment of their stillbirth will allow them a form of closure during this difficult time."

 

There are currently fifteen other states that have already adopted similar legislation. This new certificate would be in addition to the "Birth Certificate", "Death Certificate" and "Fetal Death Certificate" that are currently issued by the New York State Department of Health.

 

The legislation, Senate Bill 3111-B, has had bipartisan support in the Senate for many years. It now moves to the Assembly for consideration where it has overwhelming bipartisan support.