The Life of the Mother Act amends the Texas Health and Safety Code and Civil Practice and Remedies Code to clarify the exceptions under which abortions may be performed based on a physician's reasonable medical judgment. The bill introduces new definitions for "medical emergency" and specifies conditions that allow for abortions, such as life-threatening conditions aggravated by pregnancy, treatment of ectopic pregnancies, and removal of non-viable unborn children. It also repeals certain existing statutes and ensures that physicians acting in response to medical emergencies are protected from disciplinary action, emphasizing the importance of reasonable medical judgment in these situations.

Additionally, the bill mandates the development of educational programs for attorneys and healthcare providers regarding the laws surrounding pregnancy-related medical emergencies and abortion. These programs, to be created in collaboration with the Health Law Section of the State Bar of Texas, must be available online at no cost by January 1, 2026. The Texas Medical Board is tasked with providing approved courses that count towards continuing medical education for physicians, covering essential topics related to abortion and medical emergencies. Furthermore, physicians providing obstetric care are required to complete a one-time course by June 1, 2027, to maintain their medical licenses, with the bill clarifying that these educational requirements do not create new legal liabilities. The bill will 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)