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Bill

SB 5093

Concerning dignity in pregnancy loss.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Jess Bateman and 12 co-sponsors

Washington law now requires healthcare providers to handle pregnancy loss with dignity protocols and inform patients of their options regarding fetal remains, effective July 2025.

Effective date 7/27/2025*.
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Bill Summary · SB 5093

Legislative bill overview

SB 5093 establishes legal protections and procedures related to pregnancy loss in Washington state, including requirements for dignified handling of fetal remains and access to information for pregnant individuals experiencing miscarriage or stillbirth. The bill became law in May 2025 with an effective date of July 27, 2025.

Why is this important

Pregnancy loss affects a significant portion of pregnancies and can be a traumatic experience. This legislation addresses the emotional and practical needs of individuals and families during these difficult circumstances by ensuring consistent, respectful protocols across healthcare settings and clarifying legal rights regarding fetal remains.

Potential points of contention

  • Religious and cultural perspectives: Different communities have varying beliefs about fetal remains and appropriate rituals, raising questions about whether one standardized approach respects diverse values
  • Healthcare implementation costs: New procedural requirements may impose administrative and logistical burdens on healthcare providers, particularly smaller clinics with limited resources
  • Scope of "dignity" protections: Unclear definitions of what constitutes dignified treatment and how provisions apply across different pregnancy loss scenarios (early miscarriage vs. late-term loss) could create compliance ambiguity

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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