Relating to voluntary and informed consent to an abortion and prevention of coerced abortions; providing penalties; creating an offense.
Impact
If enacted, SB831 would significantly alter the legal landscape regarding abortion procedures in Texas. It emphasizes the importance of consent by requiring medical facilities to provide women with specific information and resources to ensure their understanding of their rights. The bill also places stringent reporting requirements on healthcare professionals, mandating that any suspected coercion be reported to law enforcement. This change could lead to increased scrutiny on the practices surrounding abortion and enhance the accountability of those involved in the process.
Summary
SB831 aims to establish stricter regulations concerning the consent required for abortions, particularly focusing on preventing coerced abortions. It mandates that physicians must obtain voluntary and informed consent from women seeking an abortion, explicitly stating that coercion or force is prohibited. The bill further classifies coercing a minor to have an abortion as an act of child abuse, potentially punishable by penalties including fines and jail time. This legislation seeks to empower women, offering them protections against manipulation by family members or others that may attempt to exert influence over their reproductive choices.
Contention
The bill has sparked discussions among lawmakers and advocates, with supporters arguing that it serves to protect individuals, especially minors, from manipulation and abuse. Conversely, opponents of SB831 raise concerns about potential overreach, suggesting that the bill could interfere with private family matters and may undermine parental rights. The discourse surrounding this legislation reflects broader debates on reproductive rights, parental authority, and the state’s role in regulating personal health decisions.
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 an exemption from abortion restrictions for unemancipated minors and the repeal of provisions regarding notice and consent to those abortions.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Relating to professional liability insurance coverage for and prohibitions on the provision to certain children of procedures and treatments for gender transitioning, gender reassignment, or gender dysphoria and to the abuse of a child.