The Life of the Mother Act amends the Texas Health and Safety Code and Civil Practice and Remedies Code to clarify exceptions to prohibited abortions based on a physician's reasonable medical judgment. The bill introduces new definitions and exceptions that permit abortions when a pregnant woman faces a life-threatening condition or serious risk of substantial impairment of a major bodily function. It establishes that a physician may perform an abortion if it is deemed necessary to protect the life or health of the mother, outlining the specific circumstances under which these medical emergencies are recognized. Additionally, the bill repeals certain existing statutes and emphasizes the importance of reasonable medical judgment in treatment decisions affecting both the mother and unborn child.

Furthermore, the bill mandates the development of a program to educate attorneys and healthcare providers about the laws surrounding pregnancy-related medical emergencies, particularly regarding abortion. This program, to be created in collaboration with the Health Law Section of the State Bar of Texas, must be offered at no cost and made available online by January 1, 2026. The Texas Medical Board is also tasked with providing approved courses on these laws to physicians, who must complete at least one hour of continuing medical education by June 1, 2027, for license renewal. The educational content will not create new legal liabilities or standards of care beyond existing laws related to abortion. The act will take effect immediately upon receiving a two-thirds vote from both houses 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)