bill adding abortion-linked deaths to maternal mortality reviews

The text as introduced · 317 words

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.