Texas House Bill HB1071

Texas 2019 - 86th Regular

Caption

Relating to an advance directive and do-not-resuscitate order of a pregnant woman and information provided for an advance directive.

Impact

The implementation of HB1071 would bring significant changes to how advance directives are handled in Texas, especially with respect to pregnant women. By addressing the specific circumstances surrounding the medical treatment of pregnant individuals, the bill seeks to align legal frameworks with contemporary medical ethics and patient autonomy. This change could lead to increased clarity and better-informed decisions during critical health care situations, ensuring that pregnant women can actively participate in their own medical care decisions even when facing terminal or irreversible conditions.

Summary

House Bill 1071 aims to amend certain provisions within the Health and Safety Code regarding advance directives and do-not-resuscitate (DNR) orders specifically for pregnant women. This bill highlights the importance of allowing women of child-bearing age to express their medical treatment preferences in the event they are unable to communicate due to incapacity or illness. It reinforces the right of a pregnant woman to specify how her pregnancy should be considered in medical directives, particularly concerning DNR orders, ensuring that her wishes are respected alongside her pregnancy status.

Contention

Debates may arise surrounding the balance between a woman's autonomy in medical decisions and the ethical considerations of the potential unborn life. Opponents of the bill might argue that by allowing DNR orders to be specified by pregnant women, it might complicate medical responses in emergencies where the life of both the mother and fetus could be at risk. Supporters, however, connect the bill with a wider commitment to women's rights and self-determination in healthcare, emphasizing that the final decision regarding treatment should rest with the patient, irrespective of her pregnancy status.