Texas House Bill HB102

Texas 2021 - 87th Regular

Caption

Relating to an advance directive and do-not-resuscitate order of a pregnant woman and information provided for an advance directive.

Impact

The implications of HB102 are substantial for state laws governing healthcare and the rights of patients, particularly women. By explicitly allowing pregnant women to specify their wishes regarding treatment in advance directives, the bill represents a vital legal recognition of the unique circumstances that can arise for expectant mothers. This amendment aligns with contemporary discussions around patient autonomy and informed consent, ensuring that the specific needs and status of pregnant individuals are adequately represented in medical decision-making frameworks.

Summary

House Bill 102 focuses on amending the Health and Safety Code regarding advance directives and do-not-resuscitate (DNR) orders specifically for pregnant women. The bill enables women of child-bearing age to include directives that clarify how their pregnancy affects their medical decisions, particularly in situations where life-sustaining treatments might be withheld. This modification aims to enhance the legal framework for advance directives, allowing pregnant women to assert a more significant control over their healthcare choices during critical medical situations.

Contention

While the bill seeks to establish clearer guidelines for advance directives, there may be points of contention regarding the appropriateness of allowing pregnant women to refuse certain medical treatments under specific conditions. Some advocates may argue that such choice could risk the health of the fetus, creating a tension between maternal rights and fetal considerations. Therefore, the bill could face scrutiny on how it balances these competing interests, especially in contexts where life-sustaining treatment may directly affect both mother and child.