By altering Sections of the Family Code, HB987 aims to provide clearer standards under which gestational agreements can be validated in Texas. This includes ensuring that all parties involved in a gestational agreement are aware of their rights, with written notice being a crucial element. The bill underscores the documentation required for courts to validate these agreements, which is expected to create a more straightforward legal landscape for both intended parents and gestational mothers. This could have far-reaching effects on the practices of surrogacy and assisted reproduction in Texas, potentially making these services more accessible and legally secure.
Summary
House Bill 987 focuses on amending existing family law provisions related to gestational agreements in Texas. The bill modifies definitions and procedures surrounding agreements between intended parents and gestational mothers. Notably, it clarifies that intended parents can be either married or unmarried and emphasizes the importance of written agreements that relinquish parental rights and duties to intended parents who utilize assisted reproduction services. These changes intend to streamline the legal recognition of intended parents and facilitate more clear processes for gestational motherhood arrangements.
Contention
The passage of HB987 could foster debates about the rights of gestational mothers versus the intended parents, especially concerning the relinquishment of parental rights. Proponents may argue that clearer regulations can protect all parties involved, while opponents might voice concerns related to the ethical implications of commercializing surrogacy and the protection of gestational mothers. As this bill is debated or implemented, the discussions around parental rights, reproductive autonomy, and the ethical boundaries of surrogacy agreements are likely to be critical points of contention among stakeholders.
Relating to certain statutory changes to reflect and address same-sex marriages and parenting relationships and to the removal of provisions regarding the criminality or unacceptability of homosexual conduct.
Relating to certain statutory changes to reflect and address same-sex marriages and parenting relationships and to the removal of provisions regarding the criminality or unacceptability of homosexual conduct.
Relating to the powers and duties of the Health and Human Services Commission and the transfer to the commission of certain powers and duties from the Department of Family and Protective Services.
Relating to the powers and duties of the Health and Human Services Commission and the transfer to the commission of certain powers and duties from the Department of Family and Protective Services.
Relating to offenses involving the manufacture or delivery of certain controlled substances and the enforcement and prevention of those offenses; creating a criminal offense.
Relating to the rights and duties of the parties to a motor vehicle retail installment contract or a conditional delivery agreement involving the sale or conditional delivery of a motor vehicle; providing an administrative penalty.