Texas House Bill HB1145

Texas 2015 - 84th Regular

Caption

Relating to the establishment of an information clearinghouse to facilitate embryo adoption and the provision by physicians of embryo adoption information to certain patients.

Impact

The legislation aims to standardize the procedure for embryo adoption within the state and improve communication regarding available embryos. It will amend the Health and Safety Code by adding a new chapter focused explicitly on the embryo adoption process and associated privacy protocols. Furthermore, it requires that physicians inform their patients about the option of embryo adoption when engaging in assisted reproduction procedures. This requirement could alter the way fertility specialists counsel patients and encourage families considering embryo adoption as a viable option.

Summary

House Bill 1145 proposes the establishment of an information clearinghouse to facilitate embryo adoption in Texas. The bill mandates that the Department of State Health Services create and maintain a centralized database containing contact information for individuals wishing to make their human embryos available for adoption. This bill aims to enhance the process of embryo adoption, ensuring that prospective parents have better access to pertinent information in a structured, searchable format. The proposed clearinghouse will only include embryos created through assisted reproduction, emphasizing the need for regulated procedures in managing such sensitive matters.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding HB 1145 include privacy concerns regarding the handling of sensitive personal information related to embryo adoption. The bill stipulates that the Department must obtain consent from individuals before their information can be included in the clearinghouse, ensuring that personal data is protected. However, critics may raise issues about the adequacy of protections and whether the centralization of such data could lead to ethical dilemmas. Additionally, the implications this bill might have on genetic parents and the emotional consequences of making embryos available for adoption also warrant careful consideration.