89R12587 LRM-D
By: Pierson H.B. No. 5277
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to the duties of the Texas Maternal Mortality and
Morbidity Review Committee and the collection, maintenance, and
disclosure of maternal health records regarding voluntary
termination of pregnancy.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. Section 34.005, Health and Safety Code, is
amended to read as follows:
Sec. 34.005. DUTIES OF REVIEW COMMITTEE. The review
committee shall:
(1) study and review:
(A) cases of pregnancy-related deaths, including
deaths related to voluntary termination of pregnancy;
(B) trends, rates, or disparities in
pregnancy-related deaths and severe maternal morbidity, including
deaths and severe maternal morbidity related to voluntary
termination of pregnancy;
(C) health conditions and factors that
disproportionately affect the most at-risk population as
determined in the joint biennial report required under Section
34.015; and
(D) best practices and programs operating in
other states that have reduced rates of pregnancy-related deaths;
(2) compare rates of pregnancy-related deaths based on
the socioeconomic status of the mother;
(3) determine the feasibility of the review committee
studying cases of severe maternal morbidity; and
(4) in consultation with the Perinatal Advisory
Council, make recommendations to help reduce the incidence of
pregnancy-related deaths and severe maternal morbidity in this
state.
SECTION 2. Section 34.013, Health and Safety Code, is
amended to read as follows:
Sec. 34.013. INAPPLICABILITY OF CHAPTER. This chapter
does not apply to disclosure of records pertaining to [voluntary
or] therapeutic termination of pregnancy, and those records may not
be collected, maintained, or disclosed under this chapter.
SECTION 3. This Act takes effect immediately if it receives
a vote of two-thirds of all the members elected to each house, as
provided by Section 39, Article III, Texas Constitution. If this
Act does not receive the vote necessary for immediate effect, this
Act takes effect September 1, 2025.