A measure aimed at improving communication and access to information for families experiencing pregnancy loss has cleared the Oklahoma House and is now headed to the governor’s desk.
Senate Bill 1436 requires hospitals to provide patients with a standardized form explaining how to request a fetal death certificate or a certificate of birth resulting in stillbirth before discharge. The bill also requires hospital staff to verbally inform patients and families of their ability to request those documents.
The legislation directs the Oklahoma State Department of Health to develop and publish the form online, including instructions and contact information for the Division of Vital Records, creating a consistent process across hospitals statewide.
Oklahoma Representative Cynthia Roe said the bill is intended to ensure families receive clear information during a difficult time.
“Families facing pregnancy loss are walking through one of the most difficult moments of their lives, and they deserve clear, compassionate communication from the moment they receive care,” Roe said.
Roe said the measure is designed to ensure families understand what resources are available to them.
“This is about making sure every family is treated with dignity and given the information they need during a time of grief,” Roe said.
According to the March of Dimes 2025 report card, Oklahoma’s infant mortality rate is 7.1 deaths per 1,000 live births, with 341 infant deaths reported in 2023.
Senate Bill 1436 passed the House on an 89-0 vote and now awaits final approval from the governor.
