Texas House Bill HB2735

Texas 2019 - 86th Regular

Caption

Relating to professional liability insurance or bond for certain physicians performing or inducing an abortion; creating a criminal offense.

Impact

The bill imposes significant regulations on abortion providers in Texas. By requiring liability insurance or bonds for specific physicians, the law represents a heightened level of oversight in the medical community regarding abortion services. This not only affects how physicians practice but can also influence the availability of abortion services overall, as those failing to meet insurance requirements would not be able to perform abortions legally. This change aligns with broader legislative efforts in Texas to impose more stringent regulations on abortion access and can have lasting effects on women's healthcare options in the state.

Summary

House Bill 2735 addresses the requirements for professional liability insurance or a bond for physicians performing or inducing abortions. It mandates that physicians who have performed an average of five or more abortions per month in the previous year must maintain professional liability insurance of at least $1 million for each occurrence, or alternatively, file a bond for the same amount. This measure is especially aimed at physicians with prior civil actions or disciplinary actions related to abortions, aiming to provide a safeguard for women who may incur damages from complications arising from these procedures.

Contention

The legislative discussions around HB2735 likely encompass debates over women's rights and healthcare access versus regulations aimed at protecting potential malpractice victims. Advocates for the bill argue that it ensures accountability in abortion services, while opponents may view it as an effort to restrict access to abortion by burdening providers with additional requirements that could deter them from offering these services. The resulting clash raises significant societal questions about reproductive rights, patient protections, and the responsibilities of medical professionals in sensitive healthcare fields.