Texas Senate Bill SB1831

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

• Filed: 3/3/25

Caption

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.

Impact

This bill is poised to impact state laws significantly by modifying existing provisions in the Health and Safety Code. By mandating the review committee to scrutinize cases of pregnancy-related deaths—especially those connected to voluntary termination of pregnancy—the bill hopes to enhance awareness of maternal health challenges. It also encourages collaboration with the Perinatal Advisory Council, suggesting that statewide initiatives could be empowered by data-driven insights. These changes could lead to legislative reforms designed to improve maternal healthcare outcomes in Texas.

Summary

SB1831 is a bill introduced in the Texas legislature that aims to revise the roles and responsibilities of the Texas Maternal Mortality and Morbidity Review Committee. The bill specifically addresses the collection, maintenance, and disclosure of maternal health records related to voluntary termination of pregnancy. A focus of the bill is to ensure that maternal mortality rates are closely monitored, particularly concerning voluntary terminations, and to put in place mechanisms for analyzing deaths associated with pregnancy to identify areas for improvement in maternal care within Texas.

Contention

A notable point of contention surrounding SB1831 is its focus on voluntary termination of pregnancy, which could lead to debates about access to abortion services and women's reproductive rights in Texas. Critics may argue that the emphasis on monitoring these specific cases could be viewed as stigmatizing or could interfere with women's healthcare decisions. Further contention may arise regarding the privacy of health records, as the bill also addresses how these records are handled and disclosed, potentially fearing implications on patient confidentiality.

Texas Constitutional Statutes Affected

Health And Safety Code

• Chapter 34. Texas Maternal Mortality And Morbidity Review Committee
  • Section: New Section