Texas House Bill HB439

Texas 2017 - 85th Regular

• Filed: 11/22/16

Caption

Relating to an advance directive and do-not-resuscitate order of a pregnant patient.

Impact

The implications of HB439 on state law could be significant, especially concerning the protections it offers pregnant patients during medical emergencies. The bill explicitly addresses scenarios where already established medical procedures may conflict with a pregnant patient’s advance directives and ensures that their wishes regarding life-sustaining treatments are paramount. This move is anticipated to better align advance directives with the unique circumstances of pregnancy, ensuring that the rights of pregnant patients are prioritized without ambiguity.

Summary

House Bill 439 (HB439) pertains to advance directives and do-not-resuscitate (DNR) orders specifically for pregnant patients. The legislation seeks to amend existing provisions in the Texas Health and Safety Code regarding how advance directives are formatted and how they function when a patient is unable to express their wishes due to medical incapacity. By clarifying these directives, the bill aims to enhance the decision-making autonomy of pregnant patients who may face critical health situations where their preferences for life-sustaining treatments must be honored.

Contention

One notable point of contention surrounding HB439 may stem from discussions about the ethical considerations tied to medical decision-making during pregnancy. Opponents might argue that the bill could complicate medical care decisions when the health of both the mother and the unborn child is at stake. Furthermore, there could be discussions regarding the potential conflict between a patient's autonomy in expressing their wishes and the obligations of medical practitioners to ensure both maternal and fetal health during critical situations. Such tensions highlight the need for careful consideration of how advance directives are implemented in complex medical scenarios involving pregnant patients.