The bill, H.B. No. 1161, amends the Health and Safety Code to address advance directives and do-not-resuscitate (DNR) orders specifically for pregnant individuals. It introduces new provisions allowing a person of child-bearing age to specify how their pregnancy affects their advance directive and DNR orders. The bill replaces the term "pregnant patients" with "pregnant persons" and clarifies that a pregnant individual may execute an advance directive that reflects their wishes regarding life-sustaining treatment during pregnancy. Additionally, it removes previous restrictions that prevented the withdrawal or withholding of life-sustaining treatment from pregnant patients.

Key changes include the addition of a "Pregnancy directive" section in the advance directive form, which allows pregnant individuals to outline their treatment preferences. The bill also updates the requirements for out-of-hospital DNR orders to include similar provisions for pregnant persons, ensuring that their pregnancy status is considered in the execution of these orders. The changes aim to enhance the autonomy of pregnant individuals in making informed decisions about their medical care while ensuring that their directives are respected. The act is set to take effect on September 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Health and Safety Code 166.033, Health and Safety Code 166.049, Health and Safety Code 166.083, Health and Safety Code 166.084, Health and Safety Code 166.098 (Health and Safety Code 166)