Texas 2021 - 87th Regular

Texas House Bill HB1165

Caption

Relating to prohibiting abortions after detection of an unborn child's heartbeat; authorizing an administrative penalty.

Impact

This legislation would significantly impact abortion laws in Texas, potentially leading to the prohibition of many abortions that would otherwise be legal. The bill outlines the conditions under which abortions can be performed once a fetal heartbeat is detected, thereby shifting the legal landscape surrounding reproductive rights within the state. Medical practitioners must adhere to strict documentation procedures regarding fetal heartbeat testing, which adds layers of legal obligation in providing reproductive healthcare.

Summary

House Bill 1165 aims to restrict abortions after the detection of a fetal heartbeat. The bill introduces a provision in the Texas Health and Safety Code that mandates physicians to confirm the presence of a detectable fetal heartbeat before performing or inducing an abortion. It requires the use of standard medical practices for testing and documentation, in order to ensure that abortions are not performed on pregnancies where a heartbeat is detected. Should a physician neglect this requirement, they could face disciplinary actions or administrative penalties from the Texas Medical Board.

Contention

The main points of contention surrounding HB 1165 revolve around the ethical implications of restricting access to abortion following the detection of a heartbeat. Proponents argue that it is a measure to protect potential life, while opponents contend that it violates a woman's right to choose and complicates medical practices for healthcare providers. Additionally, the bill incorporates language that allows exceptions only in medical emergencies, creating further debates on the definition of medical necessity and the physician's role in such determinations.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

TX HB3588

Relating to an exemption from abortion restrictions for unemancipated minors and the repeal of provisions regarding notice and consent to those abortions.

TX HB1953

Relating to exceptions to laws prohibiting abortion.

TX HB2538

Relating to the repeal of provisions related to notice and consent to an abortion on a minor.

TX HB5087

Relating to the regulation of abortion, including abortion complication reporting and the repeal of certain laws prohibiting abortion.

TX SB2454

Relating to abortions; authorizing a good faith requirement for medical emergencies.

TX HB2215

Relating to exceptions to certain laws prohibiting abortion.

TX SB123

Relating to exceptions to certain laws prohibiting abortion.

TX HB22

Relating to abortion, including civil liability for distribution of abortion-inducing drugs and duties of Internet service providers; creating a criminal offense; authorizing a private civil right of action.

TX HB36

Relating to abortion, including civil liability for distribution of abortion-inducing drugs and duties of Internet service providers; creating a criminal offense; authorizing a private civil right of action.

TX HB2690

Relating to abortion, including civil liability for distribution of abortion-inducing drugs and duties of Internet service providers; creating a criminal offense; authorizing a private civil right of action.

Similar Bills

TX HB1500

Relating to prohibiting abortions after detection of an unborn child's heartbeat and to requirements for performing or inducing an abortion; authorizing an administrative penalty; creating a criminal offense.

TX HB59

Relating to a prohibition on abortion after detection of a fetal heartbeat; providing penalties.

TX SB8

Relating to abortion, including abortions after detection of an unborn child's heartbeat; authorizing a private civil right of action.

TX HB1515

Relating to abortion, including abortions after detection of an unborn child's heartbeat; authorizing a private civil right of action.

TX SB1647

Relating to information regarding perinatal palliative care, regulation of abortion, and the availability of certain defenses to prosecution for homicide and assault offenses; creating a criminal offense.

TX HB3760

Relating to information regarding perinatal palliative care, regulation of abortion, and the availability of certain defenses to prosecution for homicide and assault offenses; creating a criminal offense.

IA HF732

A bill for an act prohibiting and requiring certain actions relating to abortion involving the detection of a fetal heartbeat, and including effective date provisions. (Formerly HSB 255.) Effective date: 07/14/2023.

IA SF579

A bill for an act prohibiting and requiring certain actions relating to abortion involving the detection of a fetal heartbeat, and including effective date provisions.(Formerly SSB 1223.)