Texas House Bill HB4223

Texas 2017 - 85th Regular

Caption

Relating to an advance directive and do-not-resuscitate order of a pregnant patient.

Impact

The modification of advance directives and DNR orders in the context of pregnant patients is significant, as it reshapes the landscape of healthcare decision-making for women in pregnancy. By allowing pregnant women to articulate their treatment preferences, the bill recognizes their autonomy over their medical choices. Furthermore, the hospital systems will need to adapt to these directives ensuring clear communication to healthcare providers and emergency responders about the specific wishes of pregnant patients about life-sustaining treatments during medical emergencies.

Summary

House Bill 4223 addresses the complexities surrounding advance directives and do-not-resuscitate (DNR) orders specifically for pregnant patients. The bill amends Section 166.033 of the Health and Safety Code, allowing women of child-bearing age to specify how their pregnancy affects their advance directive decision-making. The goal is to ensure that the wishes of pregnant patients regarding medical treatment and interventions are respected, particularly in end-of-life decisions. This amended directive aims to balance the health care needs of the pregnant patient with the implications for fetal health in critical medical situations.

Contention

While the bill aims to enhance patient autonomy, discussions around it could raise ethical questions regarding the prioritization of the life of the pregnant patient versus the unborn fetus. Opponents may argue that specific provisions in the bill could lead to conflicts in decision-making during critical scenarios where maternal and fetal health are intertwined. Supporters, however, may defend the bill as a necessary step in recognizing and respecting the rights of pregnant patients in making their healthcare decisions. The bill's passage could signal a broader recognition of the need to address similar healthcare ethics as they relate to reproductive rights.