Texas House Bill HB144

Texas 2025 - 89th 2nd C.S.

• Filed: 8/15/25

Caption

Relating to the protection of an unborn childs rights and criminal liability and justification for prohibited conduct.

Impact

Should this bill be passed into law, it could significantly alter the legal landscape by providing additional rights to unborn children, which proponents argue is necessary for their protection. This change may convene further discussions regarding the limitations of parental rights, as well as the circumstances under which individuals may face criminal liability for actions that could harm an unborn child. As such, the bill's passage might lead to increased legal challenges and complications surrounding reproductive rights and healthcare practices across the state.

Summary

House Bill 144 aims to establish protections regarding the rights of unborn children while addressing criminal liabilities associated with prohibited conduct involving these rights. The bill seeks to articulate how the state shall regard the rights of unborn children, which may have far-reaching implications on various aspects of law, primarily focused on reproductive rights and related health care services. The focus on defining the legal status of unborn children could potentially reshape existing laws surrounding abortion and parental rights.

Contention

The discourse surrounding HB144 is likely to be contentious, as it directly intersects with deeply polarized views on abortion and the rights of the unborn versus those of the pregnant individual. Opponents may argue that granting rights to unborn children undermines a woman's autonomy and could lead to criminal prosecutions for actions that pose minimal risk to a fetus. Additionally, the potential for legal repercussions against healthcare providers could inhibit access to necessary reproductive health services, sparking fierce debate in legislative forums and beyond.

Texas Constitutional Statutes Affected

Penal Code

• Chapter 1. General Provisions
  • Section: New Section

• Chapter 19. Criminal Homicide
  • Section: New Section

• Chapter 22. Assaultive Offenses
  • Section: New Section

Civil Practice And Remedies Code

• Chapter 71. Wrongful Death; Survival; Injuries Occurring Out Of State
  • Section: New Section