S.B. No. 360 amends the Health and Safety Code to address advance directives and do-not-resuscitate (DNR) orders specifically for pregnant individuals. The bill introduces new provisions allowing a person of child-bearing age to specify how their pregnancy affects their advance directive and DNR orders. It replaces the previous language that prohibited withholding life-sustaining treatment from pregnant patients, thereby granting them the autonomy to make decisions regarding their medical treatment during pregnancy. Additionally, the bill includes a new section in the advance directive form that allows pregnant individuals to outline their preferences for life-sustaining treatment if they are unable to communicate their wishes.

The bill also updates the standard form for out-of-hospital DNR orders to include similar provisions for pregnant individuals, ensuring that their pregnancy status can be taken into account when making decisions about life-sustaining treatment. Other amendments clarify the execution and witnessing requirements for these documents. The changes aim to enhance the rights of pregnant individuals in making informed decisions about their healthcare 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)