UofM Feminist

Many states are getting aboard the "Missing Angels" bills which could elevate the legal status of a fetus. According to The Politics of Stillbirth from AlterNet, there is a growing grassroots organization requesting that certificates of stillborn birth be given to parents of stillborn babies as well as a death certificate. Many pro-choice activists are expressing opposition to these bills because the language could be twisted to elevate the personhood of the fetus.

NOW has not taken an official stand on the issue. But Gandy said the organization has urged local women's rights activists to oppose legislation that doesn't include language guaranteeing that certificates of stillborn birth will only be issued to fetuses that die as a result of a naturally occurring intrauterine death after the 20th week of pregnancy. NOW also stipulates that certificates must only be issued only to parents who request them.

Otherwise, aborted fetuses could be eligible for the certificates -- a sign that would confer greater status, she said. And if outside parties could request the certificates, anti-choice groups might inundate states with requests for aborted fetuses, she said.