What is the MISSing
Angels Bill?
The MISSing Angels Bill is a piece of legislation
that allows for the issuance of a "Certificate of Birth resulting in Stillbirth
(CBRS)" by a state's vital records office for any stillborn
infant.
Why is the MISSing Angels Bill necessary?
Every state in the U.S. already issues a death certificate for
all stillbirths. Additionally, each state has a final disposition
mandate for stillbirths. Many parents want to have their child's
birth certificate in addition to their death certificate. Unfortunately,
without legislative change, most states are unable to accomodate
the parents' wishes.
How did this legislative effort begin?
Many parents across the United States have voiced their concerns
about the public health policy which issues the death certificate
yet completely ignores the woman's process of birth when there
is an intrauterine death.
Arizona was the first state in the United States to change the
law and the first state to issue the CBRS in 2001. MISS Foundation
Founder, Joanne Cacciatore-Garard, lobbied the Arizona legislature
for more than one year to educate law-makers about stillbirth and
to rally support. With the help of many families who wrote and emailed
their legislators, HB2416, the MISSing Angels Bill, passed its final
vote in the Arizona Senate with unanimous support.
Supporter, Senator Susan Gerard said in closing, "The passage of
this bill will give much needed respect to those who have experienced
the stillbirth of a child. It may even be the first step toward
increased knowledge about the causes of stillbirth. In addition,
it makes Arizona the first state in what will hopefully be a national
trend toward recognizing the significance of this tragedy. I would
like to thank Joanne Cacciatore for her leadership and efforts on
this bill and her daughter Cheyenne Cacciatore for whom this act
is named."
How can I get a MISSing Angels Bill passed in my state?
Some states have already followed Arizona's lead in issuing the
CBRS. If your state has not passed this legislation and you'd like
to champion for it, please email Joanne Cacciatore-Garard at joanne@missfoundation.org
or call 623.979.1000.
Watch ABC 15's video coverage of how the stillbirth movement
is gaining momentum HERE
(6.2MB Video. Requires Real Player.)
More information on the MISSing Angels Bill:
Find out if your
state has passed this legislation
About HB2416: An
information/fact sheet for law-makers.
Arizona State
Senate: Read a transcript of the very last hearing on the MISSing
Angels Bill.
Arizona Press Release:
MISSing Angels Bill.
The Signing:
Arizona Governor, Jane D. Hull, signs the MISSing Angels Bill into
law (with photo).
Bill Text: The
original language of the first MISSing Angels Bill.
Letter to Legislators:
Read a template of the letter sent by Joanne Cacciatore to Arizona
legislators
Testimony before
the Arizona Senate: Read Joanne Cacciatore's testimony before
the Senate Health Committee.
Hospital Compliance
Letter: Read a letter sent out by the MISS Foundation in Arizona
to local hospitals ensuring compliance with the new law.
Communication Strategy:
In Hospital Recommended Protocol for Offering the CBRS.
Meeting with
your legislators: A few helpful hints for new political activists!
A tally of the
final votes in the Arizona Senate: Both Democrats and Republicans
unite in their voices to support the MISSing Angels Bill
Feminists
Support Women Experiencing Stillbirth: A letter to NSS from
Planned Parenthood regarding Arizona's MISSing Angels Bill and the
combined efforts to pass this legislation across the nation
Arizona
Vital Records: Notice of Substantive Policy Statement
The
first Certificate of Birth resulting in Stillbirth in the United
States: See a copy
If your child was stillborn, you'll want to read this book:
Dear Cheyenne
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