Texas 2021 - 87th Regular

Texas Senate Bill SB802

Caption

Relating to a required resource access assistance offer before an abortion is performed or induced.

Impact

The passage of SB802 introduces a new layer of regulations regarding abortion services in Texas, requiring compliance with additional pre-abortion procedures aimed at ensuring women have access to necessary resources. This could complicate the process of obtaining an abortion, depending on how effectively the new resources are integrated into the existing healthcare framework. The law also seeks to prevent coercion and address issues related to human trafficking, although the practical implementation of these provisions may vary significantly.

Summary

SB802 requires that prior to an abortion being performed, a physician must ensure that the pregnant woman receives a resource access assistance offer. This offer must be provided by qualified care agents who adhere to specific criteria, including completion of training on identifying victims of human trafficking. The law mandates that these offers contain medically accurate information and assess the eligibility for various support services unrelated to abortion, aimed at addressing the socioeconomic needs of the individuals involved.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding SB802 is deeply polarized. Proponents argue that the bill promotes informed consent and provides necessary support to women, particularly addressing broader issues such as human trafficking and family violence. Conversely, opponents criticize the bill as an unnecessary barrier to abortion access, arguing that it may deter women from seeking abortions by introducing additional hurdles and could potentially not be in their best interest to receive the suggested support services.

Contention

Notable points of contention focus on the qualifications of the care agents and the implications of requiring women to receive offers that may not align with their health choices. There are concerns about the intent behind such regulations, with critics suggesting that they may serve to further restrict abortion access under the guise of offering assistance. Additionally, the bill could lead to potential legal challenges surrounding the rights of women to make decisions regarding their own healthcare.

Companion Bills

TX HB2313

Same As Relating to a required resource access assistance offer before an abortion is performed or induced.

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 HB2538

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

TX HB2764

Relating to self-inducement of an abortion or self-prescription of an abortion-inducing drug by physicians or applicants for a medical license.

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 HB111

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.

TX SB78

Relating to the provision of an abortion-inducing drug.

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.

Similar Bills

CA AB2527

Incarceration: pregnant persons.

CA AB732

County jails: prisons: incarcerated pregnant persons.

CA AB1801

Newborns: cytomegalovirus public education and testing.

TX HB4463

Relating to required counseling before an abortion is performed.

TX SB2243

Relating to required counseling before an abortion is performed.

TX HB128

Relating to a required resource access assistance offer before an abortion is performed or induced.

TX SB34

Relating to a required resource access assistance offer before an abortion is performed or induced.

TX HB2313

Relating to a required resource access assistance offer before an abortion is performed or induced.