House Bill No. 1161 amends the Health and Safety Code to address advance directives and do-not-resuscitate (DNR) orders specifically for pregnant individuals. The bill introduces a new section that allows a person of child-bearing age to specify how their pregnancy affects their advance directive and DNR orders. It also expands the types of directives available under Texas law from two to three, adding the Health Care Facility Do-Not-Resuscitate Order to the existing Medical Power of Attorney and Out-of-Hospital Do-Not-Resuscitate Order. Additionally, the bill clarifies that a pregnant person may include specific instructions regarding life-sustaining treatment in their advance directive.

The bill removes previous language that prohibited the withdrawal or withholding of life-sustaining treatment from pregnant patients, thereby allowing for more personalized decision-making in medical care. It also emphasizes the importance of discussing these directives with healthcare providers and family members. The changes aim to ensure that the medical wishes of pregnant individuals are respected and clearly articulated, particularly in critical health situations. The provisions of this act will 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)