Katie Vandegrift with baby Audrey, who didn't survive to term due to fatal fetal anomalies.

Although House Bill 467 may seem compassionate at first glance, it sparks considerable concerns for people who have experienced the heartbreaking loss of deeply desired pregnancies due to fetal anomalies.

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House Bill 467 advocates exclusively for perinatal palliative care in response to fatal diagnoses, neglecting the diverse needs and lived experiences of expectant parents and their families. The legislation, which cleared a House committee last week, compounds the challenges and emotional burdens faced by pregnant people in these deeply personal circumstances.

Health care professionals have pointed out that the bill proposes services that are already in place, thereby creating unnecessary redundancy without tackling the fundamental challenges associated with nonviable pregnancies or serious fetal conditions.

Do you know what it is like to carry a very wanted baby and be told its heart is going to stop at any given moment? Do you understand the weight of guilt and the whirlwind of emotions that come with such news? Can you imagine the struggle to continue daily life, crying on your way home from work every day, and waking up sobbing in the middle of the night?

I know. And I sincerely pray that no one, not even those who oppose my rights, would have to endure such an experience.

The bill’s failure to allow for early induction and its potential to force individuals to seek care beyond state lines further reveals the inadequacies in providing comprehensive support to pregnant women during complex pregnancies.

Given these issues and despite its purported intentions, HB 467 does little to genuinely support pregnant women and the babies they are carrying. It is crucial for legislators to address these deficiencies and strive for solutions that prioritize the holistic well-being of pregnant individuals and their families.