Texas 2021 - 87th Regular

Texas House Bill HB4304

Caption

Relating to information regarding perinatal palliative care.

Impact

The bill establishes specific requirements for health care providers when a life-threatening condition is diagnosed. It obligates providers to offer written materials detailing perinatal palliative care options and to explain these services orally. Additionally, the bill allows for the certification form, signed by the pregnant woman, to be included in her medical records. This measure is designed to ensure patients have access to critical information that may influence their healthcare decisions during a vulnerable period.

Summary

House Bill 4304 aims to enhance the availability and awareness of perinatal palliative care for pregnant women diagnosed with a life-threatening disability of their preborn child. The bill amends Chapter 161 of the Health and Safety Code by adding a new subchapter dedicated to perinatal palliative care. This legislation mandates that healthcare providers inform affected pregnant women of the palliative care options available, as well as provide them with informational materials that include a list of service providers in Texas. This ensures that families receive comprehensive support to alleviate suffering during a challenging time.

Contention

However, HB 4304 has sparked debates concerning its implications, particularly regarding its association with abortion services. Critics argue that the requirements in the bill may place undue pressure on women considering abortion when faced with a dire prenatal diagnosis. Supporters, on the other hand, assert that providing more information on perinatal palliative care can help women make informed choices that align with their values and needs. The bill’s implementation depends on effective dissemination of the informational materials and may lead to scrutiny of the state's role in healthcare decisions of individuals.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

TX SB2199

Relating to protection of individuals from participation in a health care service for reasons of conscience; providing a civil remedy; authorizing disciplinary action.

TX HB3588

Relating to an exemption from abortion restrictions for unemancipated minors and the repeal of provisions regarding notice and consent to those abortions.

TX SB14

Relating to prohibitions on the provision to certain children of procedures and treatments for gender transitioning, gender reassignment, or gender dysphoria and on the use of public money or public assistance to provide those procedures and treatments.

TX HB1686

Relating to prohibitions on the provision to certain children of procedures and treatments for gender transitioning, gender reassignment, or gender dysphoria and on the use of public money or public assistance to provide those procedures and treatments.

TX SB625

Relating to prohibitions on the provision to certain children of procedures and treatments for gender transitioning, gender reassignment, or gender dysphoria and on the use of public money or public assistance to provide those procedures and treatments.

TX HB319

Relating to protection of persons from participation in a health care service for reasons of conscience; providing a civil remedy; authorizing disciplinary action.

TX HB2538

Relating to the repeal of provisions related to notice and consent to an abortion on a minor.

TX HB3077

Relating to coverage for certain services relating to postpartum depression under the Medicaid and CHIP perinatal programs.

TX HB5205

Relating to coverage for certain services relating to postpartum depression under the Medicaid and CHIP perinatal programs.

TX HB1532

Relating to professional liability insurance coverage for and prohibitions on the provision to certain children of procedures and treatments for gender transitioning, gender reassignment, or gender dysphoria and to the abuse of a child.

Similar Bills

TX SB1427

Relating to providing information regarding perinatal hospice care and prohibiting discriminatory abortions; creating an administrative penalty, a civil remedy, and criminal offenses.

TX HB2434

Relating to information regarding perinatal palliative care and prohibiting discriminatory abortions; creating an administrative penalty, a civil remedy, and a criminal offense.

TX SB1033

Relating to information regarding perinatal palliative care and prohibiting discriminatory abortions; creating an administrative penalty, a civil remedy, and a criminal offense.

TX HB1971

Relating to providing information regarding perinatal hospice care and prohibiting discriminatory abortions; creating an administrative penalty, a civil remedy, and criminal offenses.

TX HB15

Relating to informed consent to an abortion.

TX HB3218

Relating to the regulation of abortion, including information regarding perinatal palliative care and prohibiting discriminatory abortions; authorizing disciplinary action; providing a civil remedy; creating a criminal offense.

TX SB1173

Relating to the regulation of abortion, including information regarding perinatal palliative care and prohibiting discriminatory abortions; authorizing disciplinary action; providing a civil remedy; creating a criminal offense.

TX SB1869

Relating to resource awareness sessions for women seeking abortions.