Texas Senate Bill SB31

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

• Filed: 3/14/25

Caption

Relating to exceptions to otherwise prohibited abortions based on a physician's reasonable medical judgment.

Impact

The proposed legislation seeks to clarify and formalize the definitions surrounding 'medical emergencies' and the responsibilities of healthcare providers in Texas. It aims to prevent any legal repercussions for healthcare providers who perform abortions under emergency circumstances, so long as the actions align with reasonable medical judgment. The bill also introduces educational requirements for physicians to ensure that they are versed in the nuances of Texas' abortion laws, including the implications of performing an abortion under medical emergency situations. These provisions may result in a more secure environment for both the patient and the physician when faced with life-threatening medical conditions during pregnancy.

Summary

Senate Bill 31, known as the Life of the Mother Act, addresses exceptions to prohibited abortions based on a physician's reasonable medical judgment. The bill is designed to articulate the conditions under which an abortion may be performed when there is a medical emergency that poses a threat to the life or major bodily functions of the mother. Specifically, the bill emphasizes that such an abortion can occur without the delays typically necessary to assess the pregnancy's details, which could endanger the patient's health. This approach aligns with the contemporary legal discourse surrounding reproductive health in Texas, where access to abortion has become increasingly restricted.

Contention

One notable point of contention surrounding SB31 relates to the balance it seeks to achieve between the rights of the mother and the unborn child. Critics argue that the emphasis placed on the unborn child's survival may create dilemmas for healthcare providers when making time-sensitive decisions that could impact maternal health. Additionally, the definitions provided in the bill could potentially lead to misunderstandings regarding what constitutes a medical emergency, raising concerns about the practical implications for access to necessary healthcare services for women in critical situations. As with other recent legislative proposals on abortion, SB31 has sparked significant debate regarding personal rights, moral considerations, and the role of government in healthcare decisions.

Texas Constitutional Statutes Affected

Health And Safety Code

• Chapter 170. Prohibited Acts Regarding Abortion
  • Section: New Section

• Chapter 1. General Provisions
  • Section: New Section

• Chapter 245. Abortion Facilities
  • Section: New Section
  • Section: 016

Occupations Code

• Chapter 164. Disciplinary Actions And Procedures
  • Section: 052
  • Section: 055

• Chapter 165. Penalties
  • Section: 152