The bill amends the Texas Health and Safety Code to enhance the responsibilities of the Texas Maternal Mortality and Morbidity Review Committee. Specifically, it requires the committee to study and review cases of pregnancy-related deaths, explicitly including those related to voluntary termination of pregnancy. Additionally, the committee is tasked with analyzing trends and disparities in pregnancy-related deaths and severe maternal morbidity, with a focus on those cases linked to voluntary termination of pregnancy. The bill also emphasizes the need for the committee to consider socioeconomic factors and best practices from other states to reduce maternal mortality and morbidity rates.

Furthermore, the bill modifies the existing law regarding the disclosure of maternal health records. It removes the previous restriction that exempted records related to voluntary termination of pregnancy from being collected, maintained, or disclosed under the chapter. This change allows for a more comprehensive approach to understanding and addressing maternal health issues, including those associated with voluntary termination of pregnancy. The bill is set to take effect immediately upon receiving a two-thirds vote from both houses of the legislature or on September 1, 2025, if that vote is not achieved.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Health and Safety Code 34.005, Health and Safety Code 34.013 (Health and Safety Code 34)