The Compassion and Care for Medically Challenging Pregnancies Act establishes a framework for providing support to pregnant women diagnosed with lethal fetal anomalies. The Act defines key terms such as "health care practitioner," "lethal fetal anomaly," and "perinatal hospice service," which encompasses comprehensive support from diagnosis through the postpartum period. It emphasizes the importance of a supportive environment for families during this challenging time, involving various healthcare professionals and services.
Under the Act, health care practitioners who diagnose a lethal fetal anomaly are required to inform the pregnant woman about the availability of perinatal hospice services and provide her with a list and information sheet compiled by the Department of Health and Human Services. The department is tasked with creating a geographically organized list of perinatal hospice services available in Iowa and nationally, which will be accessible on their website in both English and Spanish. This initiative aims to ensure that families have access to compassionate care and support during a difficult period.