Fetal Dignity

Family Research Council recognizes and respects the inherent dignity of every human life, from the moment of conception. A child in the womb is a distinct, developing, whole human being. Therefore, we support the passage of fetal dignity laws, which affirm the dignity of the unborn by protecting them from abortion, fetal experimentation, and disrespectful disposal of remains.

Featured Resources On Fetal Dignity

Prohibiting Trafficking of Baby Body Parts and Federal Funding for Fetal Tissue Research from Induced Abortions
Fetal Dignity Laws: Respecting the Human Dignity of the Unborn
Investigating Planned Parenthood and Research Using Aborted Babies
What Science Reveals about Fetal Pain

Fetal Dignity Map

Abortion is dehumanizing to both mothers and their unborn children. State fetal dignity laws use a variety of means to promote and protect the dignity of the unborn. The need for such laws is clear: Whether it's abortionists like Dr. Kermit Gosnell in Pennsylvania and Dr. Ulrich Klopfer in Illinois (who were caught hoarding the remains of the unborn they had aborted), or America's foremost purveyor of abortion, Planned Parenthood (who was caught on tape in 2015 selling aborted baby body parts), the abortion industry's horrific practices dehumanize and desensitize all of us.

Fortunately, many states have stepped forward to enact laws which recognize the inherent dignity of the unborn by reaffirming their basic humanity. This map tracks five types of state laws:

  • Prohibiting the transfer of fetal tissue harvested from the unborn during an abortion
  • Requiring the remains of the unborn after an abortion to be buried or cremated
  • Banning the use of fetal tissue for research
  • Prohibiting the sale or profit of aborted baby body parts
  • Providing death certificates for stillborn and miscarried babies

All five types of laws are important to recognizing and protecting the dignity of unborn children. Click on a state to see whether and how it protects fetal dignity. For more information, read our Issue Analysis “Respecting the Unborn through Fetal Dignity Laws” (frc.org/fetaldignity).

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