The Life of the Mother Act proposes significant amendments to Texas law regarding abortion exceptions based on a physician's reasonable medical judgment. Key changes include defining civil actions against physicians for abortion law violations as health care liability claims, aligning them with existing health care liability requirements. The bill allows physicians to perform abortions when a pregnant woman faces a life-threatening condition or serious risk of substantial impairment, and it includes provisions for unintentional harm to the unborn child during treatment. Additionally, the bill introduces definitions for "medical emergency" and outlines physician responsibilities, while repealing certain existing statutes.

To enhance understanding of the updated regulations, the bill mandates the development of a no-cost educational program for attorneys and physicians, in collaboration with the Health Law Section of the State Bar of Texas. This program will be accessible online and must be available by January 1, 2026, with courses counting towards continuing medical education for physicians. Furthermore, obstetric care providers are required to complete a one-time course by June 1, 2027, to maintain their medical licenses. The bill clarifies that these educational requirements do not create new legal liabilities or standards of care beyond existing health and safety laws. It is set to take effect immediately upon a two-thirds vote or on September 1, 2025, if that threshold is not met.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Health and Safety Code 171.002, Health and Safety Code 171.046, Health and Safety Code 171.063 (Health and Safety Code 171)