Texas House Bill HB653

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

• Filed: 11/12/24

Caption

Relating to the purchase and use of contraceptives and access to contraceptive information.

Impact

The passage of HB 653 would significantly impact existing state laws and regulations surrounding reproductive health care. By establishing statute that prevents entities from restricting contraceptive access, the bill seeks to create a legal framework that reinforces personal autonomy in reproductive choices. It aims to eliminate potential barriers that individuals may face, whether through governmental policies or local ordinances, thus enhancing healthcare access across the state.

Summary

House Bill 653 aims to ensure that individuals in Texas have unrestricted access to purchase and use contraceptives, including emergency contraceptives. It introduces a specific amendment to the Health and Safety Code that explicitly prohibits state and local governmental entities from imposing any restrictions on the availability and use of contraceptives. This legislation is positioned as a protective measure for reproductive rights, emphasizing the importance of personal choice in family planning.

Contention

While supporters of HB 653 are likely to view it as a necessary step toward safeguarding reproductive rights, there may also be notable contention surrounding the bill. Critics might argue that the legislation could undermine efforts to promote responsible reproductive behavior or that it could conflict with the beliefs of certain communities regarding contraceptive use. Nonetheless, the bill is largely framed as a measure of personal freedoms in healthcare choice, affirming individual rights in matters of contraception.

Texas Constitutional Statutes Affected

Health And Safety Code

• Chapter 161. Public Health Provisions
  • Section: New Section