Relating to the regulation of abortion procedures; providing civil penalties; affecting the prosecution of a criminal offense.
Impact
The bill establishes civil penalties for violations, with fines escalating with subsequent infractions. For example, the first violation incurs a penalty of $10,000, while a third offense can lead to penalties exceeding $100,000. Each abortion performed in violation of the law is treated as a separate violation, thereby holding practitioners to strict accountability. Additionally, it explicitly states that informed and voluntary consent from a minor does not absolve physicians from compliance with the chapter’s provisions.
Summary
House Bill 2531 focuses on the regulation of abortion procedures in Texas, particularly concerning unemancipated minors. The bill sets forth requirements that physicians must adhere to before performing an abortion, including obtaining 'positive proof of age' to confirm the patient is not a minor. This requirement is meant to ensure compliance with existing laws regarding the consent of minors for medical procedures. The bill outlines the documentation physicians must maintain in a woman’s medical record and specifies that these records should be archived for several years post-procedure.
Contention
There are notable concerns surrounding the bill, particularly its implications for minors seeking abortions. Critics argue that the stringent age verification requirements could pose barriers to access, potentially forcing minors into challenging situations where they may be unable to seek counseling or assistance from guardians. The bill also includes provisions that emphasize reporting suspected physical or sexual abuse of minors, which could deter some minors from seeking needed medical assistance, reflecting ongoing tensions in legislative discussions about reproductive rights and minors' access to healthcare.
Relating to an exemption from abortion restrictions for unemancipated minors and the repeal of provisions regarding notice and consent to those abortions.
Relating to professional liability insurance coverage for and prohibitions on providing to certain children procedures and treatments for gender transitioning, gender reassignment, or gender dysphoria; creating a criminal offense.
Relating to prohibitions on the provision to certain children of procedures and treatments for gender transitioning, gender reassignment, or gender dysphoria and on the use of public money or public assistance to provide those procedures and treatments.
Relating to prohibitions on the provision to certain children of procedures and treatments for gender transitioning, gender reassignment, or gender dysphoria and on the use of public money or public assistance to provide those procedures and treatments.
Relating to prohibitions on the provision to certain children of procedures and treatments for gender transitioning, gender reassignment, or gender dysphoria and on the use of public money or public assistance to provide those procedures and treatments.
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.
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.
Relating to the judicial procedure required before an abortion may be performed on a minor without notification to and consent of a parent or guardian.