The bill amends and reenacts several sections of Louisiana law regarding in vitro fertilized human embryos, providing new definitions and legal frameworks for their use, rights, and ownership. Key definitions include "human embryo," "in vitro fertilized human embryo," and "nonviable in vitro fertilized human embryo," which clarify the legal status and rights of embryos created through in vitro fertilization. The bill establishes that an in vitro fertilized human embryo is a juridical person with the capacity to sue or be sued, and it prohibits the sale of embryos while ensuring that their use is solely for the purpose of supporting human development.

Additionally, the bill outlines the responsibilities of medical facilities and physicians involved in in vitro fertilization, emphasizing that neither the facility nor the physician has decision-making authority over viable embryos, which instead belong to the intended parents. It also addresses the legal transfer of rights and responsibilities for embryos, stipulating that such transfers must be consistent with the law and cannot involve compensation. The bill repeals a previous section of law, further streamlining the legal framework surrounding in vitro fertilization and the rights of embryos.

Statutes affected:
SB156 Original:
SB156 Engrossed:
SB156 Reengrossed:
SB156 Enrolled:
SB156 Act :