S. 2172

119th CONGRESS 1st Session

To prohibit fetal remains in publicly owned water systems, and for other purposes.

IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES · June 25 (legislative day, June 24), 2025 · Sponsor: Mr. Banks · Committee: Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions

Table of contents

• S. 2172
  • SEC. 1. Short title
  • SEC. 2. Prohibition of fetal remains in publicly owned water systems

SEC. 1. Short title

• This Act may be cited as the Respectful Treatment of Unborn Remains Act of 2025.

SEC. 2. Prohibition of fetal remains in publicly owned water systems

• Part H of title IV of the Public Health Service Act () is amended by adding at the end the following: 42 U.S.C. 289 et seq.
  • (a) In general
    • An abortion provider may not cause fetal remains to be placed into a publicly owned water system.
  • (b) Penalties for violation
    • An abortion provider who violates subsection (a) shall be fined in accordance with title 18, United States Code, imprisoned not more than 5 years, or both.
  • (c) No liability for individual upon whom abortion is performed
    • Notwithstanding any other provision of law, an individual upon whom an abortion is performed shall not be liable for any offense related to a violation of subsection (a) with respect to such abortion.
  • (d) Relation to other law
    • Nothing in this section may be construed to preempt a State or local requirement that prohibits an abortion provider from causing fetal remains to be placed into a publicly owned water system.
  • (e) Definitions
    • In this section:
      • The term abortion means a procedure involving the use or prescription of a device or substance—
      • The term fetal remains means—
      • The term publicly owned water system means a system of facilities owned or controlled by a Federal, State, or local government entity, the purpose of which is to provide, transport, or treat water, including the drains, pipes, and other devices that connect to such system.