This bill amends the definition of "fetal death" in Washington state law to ensure that the calculation of gestational age is based on objective and clinically accurate criteria. Specifically, it modifies the existing definition to state that fetal death occurs when a product of conception shows no evidence of life after complete expulsion or extraction, and has either completed twenty or more weeks of gestation at the date of death based on the best clinically accurate gestational age, or weighs three hundred fifty grams or more if the weeks of gestation are unknown. The previous language that calculated gestational age from the date of the last menstrual period has been deleted.

Additionally, the bill includes provisions for its expiration and effective dates. Section 1 of the act will expire on June 30, 2027, while Section 2 will take effect on the same date. This structure allows for a transition period during which the new definitions and criteria can be implemented. The bill has passed both the Senate and House and has been approved by the Governor.

Statutes affected:
Original bill: 70.58A.010
Bill as passed Legislature: 70.58A.010
Session law: 70.58A.010