Relating to providing information and other services relating to emergency contraception to sexual assault survivors.
Impact
If enacted, SB1472 will amend Chapter 323 of the Health and Safety Code by introducing two new sections focused on emergency contraceptive information and services for sexual assault survivors. Healthcare facilities will be required to use the information form provided by the Health Department and must ensure that survivors receive this information orally while also discussing the availability of emergency contraception in the facility. This legislation aims to standardize the information and services offered across Texas in emergency situations, potentially leading to more consistent care for survivors.
Summary
SB1472 aims to enhance the support provided to sexual assault survivors by mandating that healthcare facilities offer specific information and services related to emergency contraception. The bill requires the Texas Department of Health to develop a standardized information form that contains unbiased, medically accurate details about emergency contraception. This form is intended to facilitate the informed decision-making of survivors who may need such services following an assault.
Contention
The legislation may generate discussion regarding the provision of emergency contraceptive methods and the role of healthcare providers in offering such services. Advocates for the bill argue that access to clear and reliable information is essential for survivors, while opponents might voice concerns over the medical and ethical implications of distributing emergency contraception in certain healthcare settings. Overall, the bill is positioned as a significant step towards improving the support systems for sexual assault survivors in Texas, addressing their needs in critical situations.
Relating to the rights of victims of sexual assault and to certain procedures and reimbursements occurring with respect to a sexual assault or other sex offense.
Relating to the rights of victims of sexual assault and to certain procedures and reimbursements occurring with respect to a sexual assault or other sex offense.
Relating to required training and continuing education requirements for persons who provide medical care or other support to survivors of sexual assault.
Relating to the composition, continuation, and duties of the Sexual Assault Survivors' Task Force, compensation for task force members and certain other task force participants, and establishment of a mandatory training program for persons responding to reports of and treating survivors of child sexual abuse and adult sexual assault.
Relating to the composition of the Sexual Assault Survivors' Task Force and to compensation for task force members and certain other task force participants.
Relating to human trafficking, including the prosecution and punishment of compelling and solicitation of prostitution and other sexual or assaultive offenses; increasing a criminal penalty; creating a criminal offense.
Relating to human trafficking, including the prosecution and punishment of compelling and solicitation of prostitution and other sexual or assaultive offenses; increasing a criminal penalty; creating a criminal offense.
Relating to the protection of certain occupational licensing information regarding clients of family violence shelter centers, victims of trafficking shelter centers, and sexual assault programs and survivors of family violence, domestic violence, and sexual assault.
Services for sexual assault patients; provision of information for sexual assault patients; Task Force on Services for Survivors of Sexual Assault; work group; report.