H.B. No. 2197 aims to enhance the legal protections for unborn children in Texas by amending existing laws to recognize their rights and establish criminal liability for actions that harm them. The bill defines "individual" to include unborn children at every stage of development from fertilization until birth. It introduces new provisions in the Penal Code that apply equally to offenses committed against unborn children and those born alive, while also clarifying that unintentional injuries or deaths resulting from lifesaving procedures for pregnant mothers or spontaneous miscarriages are exempt from these provisions. Additionally, the bill repeals certain existing laws that could be interpreted as allowing for prenatal homicide or coercion for abortions.

The legislation also amends the Civil Practice and Remedies Code to exclude unintentional injuries or deaths of unborn children from certain legal actions, reinforcing the intent to protect unborn life. The bill repeals specific sections of the Penal Code and Civil Practice and Remedies Code that previously allowed for different interpretations regarding the rights of unborn children. The changes will take effect on September 1, 2025, and will only apply to offenses or actions occurring after that date, ensuring that prior conduct is governed by the laws in effect at the time.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Penal Code 1.07, Civil Practice and Remedies Code 71.003 (Penal Code 1, Civil Practice and Remedies Code 71)