Minnesota § 145.1621 - DISPOSITION OF ABORTED OR MISCARRIED FETUSES
Full text of Minnesota Minnesota Statutes § 145.1621 — DISPOSITION OF ABORTED OR MISCARRIED FETUSES, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 145.1621. DISPOSITION OF ABORTED OR MISCARRIED FETUSES
Subdivision 1.Purpose.
The purpose of this section is to protect the public health and welfare by providing for the dignified and sanitary disposition of the remains of aborted or miscarried human fetuses in a uniform manner and to declare violations of this section to be a public nuisance.
Subd. 2.Definition; remains of a human fetus.
For the purposes of this section, the term "remains of a human fetus" means the remains of the dead offspring of a human being that has reached a stage of development so that there are cartilaginous structures, fetal or skeletal parts after an abortion or miscarriage, whether or not the remains have been obtained by induced, spontaneous, or accidental means.
Subd. 3.Regulation of disposal.
Remains of a human fetus resulting from an abortion or miscarriage, induced or occurring accidentally or spontaneously at a hospital, clinic, or medical facility must be deposited or disposed of in this state only at the place and in the manner provided by this section or, if not possible, as directed by the commissioner of health.
Subd. 4.Disposition; tests.
Hospitals, clinics, and medical facilities in which abortions are induced or occur spontaneously or accidentally and laboratories to which the remains of human fetuses are delivered must provide for the disposal of the remains by cremation, interment by burial, or in a manner directed by the commissioner of health. The hospital, clinic, medical facility, or laboratory may complete laboratory tests necessary for the health of the woman or her future offspring or for purposes of a criminal investigation or determination of parentage prior to disposing of the remains.
Subd. 5.Violation; penalty.
Failure to comply with this section constitutes a public nuisance. A person, firm, or corporation failing to comply with this section is guilty of a misdemeanor.
Subd. 6.Exclusions.
To comply with this section, a religious service or ceremony is not required as part of the disposition of the remains of a human fetus, and no discussion of the method of disposition is required with the woman obtaining an induced abortion.
History:
Official Publication of the State of Minnesota
Revisor of Statutes
Source: official Minnesota text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Minnesota § 145.1621
What does Minnesota Statutes § 145.1621 cover?
Section 145.1621 ("DISPOSITION OF ABORTED OR MISCARRIED FETUSES") is part of the Minnesota Statutes, the codified statutory law of Minnesota. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Minnesota § 145.1621?
A common citation format is "Minnesota Statutes § 145.1621" (Minnesota). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Minnesota law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Minnesota official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Minnesota attorney.
How does Minnesota § 145.1621 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Minnesota can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Minnesota.