H.R. 686

119th CONGRESS 1st Session

To amend title 18, United States Code, to prohibit the unlawful disposal of fetal remains.

IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES · January 23, 2025 · Sponsor: Mr. Latta · Committee: Committee on the Judiciary

Table of contents

• H.R. 686
  • SEC. 1. Short title
  • SEC. 2. Prohibiting unlawful disposal of fetal remains

SEC. 1. Short title

• This Act may be cited as the Protecting the Dignity of Unborn Children Act of 2025.

SEC. 2. Prohibiting unlawful disposal of fetal remains

• Part I of title 18, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following:
  • (a) In general
    • Whoever recklessly disposes of or abandons fetal remains in a landfill or in any of the navigable waters of the United States shall be imprisoned not more than 3 years or fined under this title, or both.
  • (b) Rule of construction
    • Nothing in this section shall be construed to authorize the prosecution of any woman for the disposal of the remains of her unborn child.
  • (c) Definitions
    • In this section:
      • The term means any part of a human fetus that is deceased by reason of an abortion, but does not include any such part that has been cremated. fetal remains
      • The term means a sanitary landfill, as such term is defined in section 1004(26) of the Solid Waste Disposal Act.
      • The term has the meaning given such term in section 502(7) of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act. navigable waters