Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

Texas Senate Bill SB2571

Filed
 
Out of House Committee
 
Voted on by House
 
Governor Action
 
Bill Becomes Law
 

Caption

Relating to information related to the performance of an abortion; creating an offense.

Impact

Furthermore, SB2571 includes the establishment of training and resources for healthcare providers. Physicians will also need to maintain a list of domestic violence shelters and provide referrals if a woman expresses concern about coercion related to her abortion decision. This will enhance the protection of women, particularly those in vulnerable situations, and establishes clear procedures for documenting and reporting coercion or violence. The bill emphasizes the importance of education and assistance for individuals who may be at risk of coercive situations.

Summary

SB2571 is an enactment aimed at strengthening regulations concerning abortions in Texas. The bill specifically addresses informed and voluntary consent, requiring physicians to ensure that women are made aware that no coercion can occur in the decision to proceed with an abortion. Physicians must inform women verbally about their rights and provide them with a coerced abortion form, giving the woman a chance to certify her consent free from coercion. In the event that a woman indicates she feels pressured or coerced, the physician must report this and cannot proceed with the abortion until explicit, uncoerced consent is confirmed.

Contention

Notably, the bill's provisions have sparked debates among lawmakers and advocacy groups. Proponents argue that these measures could prevent coerced abortions, safeguarding women's health and rights. They see the bill as a necessary safeguard against potential abuse. Conversely, opponents claim that the additional regulations could create barriers for women seeking abortions and might complicate the access to healthcare services. Critics also voice concerns about the heightened scrutiny and documentation that physicians would face, fearing that it may lead to unintended consequences for patient care.

Legal_changes

If enacted, SB2571 will amend existing laws under the Texas Health and Safety Code related to abortion regulations, particularly focusing on voluntary and informed consent processes. It outlines specific penalties for physicians who fail to comply with these requirements, ranging from fines for not submitting the necessary forms or for providing false information. This bill represents a significant alteration to how abortions are regulated in Texas, aligning newly defined procedures with the state's goals of reducing coercion and enhancing the informed consent process.

Companion Bills

TX HB3796

Identical Relating to informed and voluntary consent for an abortion and the collection and reporting of information related to the performance of an abortion; providing penalties.

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 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 HB5087

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

TX SB1518

Relating to the establishment of a terrorist offender registry and to the supervision of those terrorist offenders; creating criminal offenses related to terrorism.

TX HB4968

Relating to the establishment of a terrorist offender registry and to the supervision of those terrorist offenders; creating criminal offenses related to terrorism.

TX HB5202

Relating to a central database containing information about offenders who have committed certain violent offenses.

Similar Bills

TX HB2556

Relating to the licensing and regulation of physician graduates and the authority of an insured to select a physician graduate under the insured's health insurance policy; requiring an occupational license; authorizing fees.

TX HB1685

Relating to the licensing and regulation of physician graduates and the authority of an insured to select a physician graduate under the insured's health insurance policy; requiring an occupational license; authorizing fees.

TX HB3124

Relating to certain physician-specific comparison data compiled by a health benefit plan issuer, including the release of that data to physicians participating in certain physician-led organizations.

TX SB881

Relating to the issuance by the Texas Medical Board of certain licenses to practice medicine and the authority of an insured to select certain license holders under the insured's health policy; requiring an occupational license; authorizing fees.

TX HB2038

Relating to the issuance by the Texas Medical Board of certain licenses to practice medicine and the authority of an insured to select certain license holders under the insured's health policy; requiring an occupational license; authorizing fees.

TX HB2551

Relating to the licensing and regulation of associate physicians and the authority of an insured to select an associate physician under the insured's health insurance policy; requiring an occupational license.

TX SB1500

Relating to the employment of physicians by certain hospitals.

TX HB708

Relating to licensing, regulation, and prescribing and ordering authority of advanced practice registered nurses and the regulation of registered nurses and physician assistants.