Bill 141 2015

An Act to require research to be undertaken and programs to be developed for pregnancy loss and infant death and to proclaim October 15 as Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Day

Her Majesty, by and with the advice and consent of the Legislative Assembly of the Province of Ontario, enacts as follows:

Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Day

   1.  October 15 in each year is proclaimed as Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Day.

Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care Act

   2.  Subsection 6 (1) of the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care Act is amended by adding the following paragraphs:

  11.  To establish comprehensive research initiatives and programs to assist mothers and families who experience pregnancy loss or infant death.

  12.  To undertake a comprehensive comparative analysis to understand the factors that contribute to an increased risk of pregnancy loss and infant death.

  13.  To develop programs to help reduce the risk of pregnancy loss and infant death.

  14.  To develop programs across Ontario to provide counselling and support to mothers and families who experience pregnancy loss or infant death.

  15.  To undertake a comparative analysis and survey of best practices in other jurisdictions regarding the prevention of pregnancy loss and infant death.

Commencement

   3.  This Act comes into force on the day it receives Royal Assent.

Short title

   4.  The short title of this Act is the Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness, Research and Care Act, 2015.

 

EXPLANATORY NOTE

The Bill amends the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care Act to set out additional duties for the Minister of Health and Long-Term Care. The Minister is required to establish research initiatives and undertake a comparative analysis with respect to pregnancy loss and infant death. The Minister is also required to establish and develop programs to reduce the risk of pregnancy loss and infant death and to assist and provide counselling and support to mothers and families who experience pregnancy loss or infant death.

The Bill also proclaims October 15 in each year as Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Day.