Texas Senate Bill SB1173

Texas 2021 - 87th Regular

Caption

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.

Impact

The bill significantly alters the Health and Safety Code's provisions regarding abortion. It prohibits performing or inducing an abortion based on a preborn child’s characteristics as mentioned above. Medical practitioners are now obligated to provide information related to perinatal palliative care to patients diagnosed with life-threatening disabilities. This has implications for how medical professionals approach their duties in abortion cases, emphasizing the provision of comprehensive support services to families dealing with such diagnoses. Together with new punitive measures against practitioners who violate these stipulations, the bill establishes a legal framework that prioritizes perceived discrimination against preborn children in medical decisions.

Summary

SB1173, known as the Preborn Nondiscrimination Act, seeks to amend existing regulations surrounding abortion in Texas by mandating certain requirements aimed at preventing discriminatory abortions based on a preborn child’s race, ethnicity, sex, or disability. The bill introduces the concept of perinatal palliative care, ensuring that any pregnant woman who receives a diagnosis of a life-threatening disability in her preborn child is informed about the availability of such care. This change reflects a legislative interest in protecting the rights of preborn children and targeting practices seen as discriminatory within the context of reproductive health.

Sentiment

The sentiment toward SB1173 is deeply polarized. Proponents, often aligned with conservative and pro-life advocacy, argue that the bill is a necessary step to prevent the discrimination of vulnerable preborn children and promote their rights. Conversely, opponents, including various reproductive rights groups, view the measure as an unnecessary intrusion into personal healthcare decisions. Critics argue that it places additional burdens on women seeking abortions and limits healthcare providers' ability to make patient-centered decisions regarding complex medical situations.

Contention

A notable point of contention within discussions surrounding SB1173 relates to its implications for medical practice, particularly in the context of abortion procedures performed after a diagnosis of a life-threatening disability. Opponents contend that the legislation places additional hurdles for women facing difficult choices in challenging circumstances while critics also highlight the potential chilling effect on healthcare providers who may fear legal repercussions should they violate the new requirements. Critics argue this could lead to conflicts between legal obligations and medical judgment, further complicating the landscape of reproductive healthcare in Texas.