Respectful Treatment of Unborn Remains Act of 2025

Summary

Prohibits abortion providers from disposing of fetal remains or related medical waste into publicly owned water systems and creates federal criminal penalties (fines under Title 18 and up to 5 years imprisonment, or both) for violations. The text defines key terms (including “abortion provider,” “fetal remains,” and “publicly owned water system”), excludes the patient from provider liability, and preserves any state or local laws that are more restrictive. The measure adds a new federal statutory provision to title 42 without providing funding or procedural deadlines; it focuses on disposal practices and criminal enforcement rather than creating new programs or authorizations.

• Makes it a federal crime for abortion providers to put fetal remains or related medical waste into publicly owned water systems.
• Creates criminal penalties: fines under Title 18 and up to 5 years imprisonment, or both.
• Defines key terms (abortion provider, fetal remains, publicly owned water system) to specify coverage.
• Exempts the patient from criminal liability under the new provision.
• Preserves state and local laws that are more restrictive than the federal prohibition.
• Adds a new substantive section to title 42 (42 U.S.C. 498F) rather than making a technical change.
• Does not provide funding, create new administrative programs, or set implementation timelines.
• Applies to any publicly owned water system, including connected drains, pipes, and devices.