Texas proposes strict new rules for disposal of aborted fetal tissue

[Eugene]

Source: Reuters

World | Thu Jul 7, 2016 5:51pm EDT

Texas proposes strict new rules for disposal of aborted fetal tissue

AUSTIN, TEXAS | BY JON HERSKOVITZ

Texas is proposing new regulations for abortion providers that would require them to dispose of aborted fetal tissue either through burial or cremation, saying the measures are intended to preserve human dignity.

Abortion rights groups contend the regulations could help deter abortions in the socially conservative state. They would force providers to seek disposal through crematoriums or funeral homes, and those business could face a backlash if they are seen as being aligned with abortion providers

The regulations were entered into the July 1 Texas Register and could take effect as early as September. They come after the state was handed a stinging defeat by the U.S. Supreme Court last month when it struck down the state's restrictions on abortion clinics that led many to cease operations.

"The Health and Human Services Commission developed new rules to ensure Texas law maintains the highest standards of human dignity," said Bryan Black, a spokesman for the commission.

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Read more: http://www.reuters.com/article/us-texas-abortion-idUSKCN0ZN2K9

[uppityperson]

1. It depends on the age of the fetus. 1st trimester can easily be hospital waste and I bet few women

having an early abortion would have a desire to keep the bits. If they do, they can already, rather like having your appendix out and getting it in a jar. Hospital human products/waste is already burnt, ie-cremated.

From the Op, does this mean appendixes, etc, have to be buried or cremated not as hospital waste is?

"Governor Abbott believes human and fetal remains should not be treated like medical waste, and the proposed rule changes affirms the value and dignity of all life," his office said in a statement.

The Texas limitations would be far more stringent than regulations in almost every other state, which allow aborted fetal tissue be disposed of in a similar fashion to human tissue, according to the Guttmacher Institute, an abortion rights group whose data is used by both sides in the debate.