Respectful Treatment of Unborn Remains Act of 2025

This bill would make it illegal for abortion providers to put fetal remains into public water systems, like drains and pipes that connect to city or government-run water treatment facilities. If a provider violates this rule, they could face fines and up to five years in prison. The person who had the abortion would not face any charges under this rule. States and cities could still keep or pass stricter rules on this topic. A “publicly owned water system” includes government-owned systems that provide, move, or treat water, including the drains and pipes that connect to them .

In everyday terms, this aims to change how clinics handle certain medical remains, with criminal penalties for providers who break the rule. It does not punish patients. Local governments can still set tougher standards if they want to .

• Who is affected: Abortion providers; not patients
• What changes: Providers may not dispose of fetal remains into public water systems; violations can bring fines and up to 5 years in prison
• Local rules: Does not override stricter state or local rules
• When: Would apply after becoming law (the text does not specify a special start date)