Texas House Bill HB5531

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

• Filed: 3/14/25

Caption

Relating to exempting medical care provided by a midwife from being considered as neglect of a child.

Impact

The proposed changes will directly influence how child neglect cases are evaluated when midwives are involved in medical care. By defining midwives as authorized health care providers, the bill ensures that their practices will not be penalized under neglect statutes, thus encouraging more parents to utilize midwife services. This can potentially lead to an increase in the acceptance of midwifery as a safe and valid alternative to traditional hospital birthing methods, impacting both health care practices and family law in Texas.

Summary

House Bill 5531 aims to amend the Family Code by exempting medical care provided by midwives from being classified as neglect of a child. This legislative move is intended to clarify and reinforce the role of licensed midwives and nurse midwives as legitimate medical providers under Texas law. By formally recognizing midwives in this context, the bill seeks to legitimize the care they provide during childbirth and other medical instances for mothers and their newborns.

Contention

While the bill is largely aimed at validating and supporting midwifery, it may raise discussions concerning child welfare and the standards of care provided by midwives compared to traditional medical interventions. Some stakeholders may express concerns about ensuring that the quality of care aligns with established health standards, particularly in situations involving complications during childbirth. Thus, the bill may open avenues for debates regarding the training, certification, and oversight of midwives in the context of child neglect and protection laws.

Texas Constitutional Statutes Affected

Family Code

• Chapter 2. The Marriage Relationship
  • Section: New Section