S.B. No. 31, known as the Life of the Mother Act, amends the Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code and the Health and Safety Code to clarify exceptions to prohibited abortions based on a physician's reasonable medical judgment. The bill establishes that civil actions against physicians for violations related to abortion laws are classified as health care liability claims, which must meet the same requirements as other such claims. It introduces new definitions regarding "life-threatening" conditions and medical emergencies, allowing physicians to act without waiting for imminent risks to the pregnant woman's health. The bill also emphasizes that reasonable medical judgment includes addressing life-threatening conditions before they cause significant harm, permitting treatments for conditions like ectopic pregnancies and the removal of non-viable unborn children.

Additionally, S.B. No. 31 repeals conflicting sections of the Civil Practice and Remedies Code, Health and Safety Code, and Penal Code, while mandating the State Bar of Texas to develop a continuing legal education program focused on abortion regulation and medical emergencies. The Texas Medical Board is tasked with creating approved courses on pregnancy-related medical emergencies, which will count towards physicians' continuing medical education. The bill clarifies that compliance with these educational requirements does not create new legal liabilities for healthcare providers and ensures that a pregnant woman seeking an abortion is not guilty of any related offense. The bill is set to take effect immediately upon receiving 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)
Senate Committee Report: Health and Safety Code 171.002, Health and Safety Code 171.046, Health and Safety Code 171.063 (Health and Safety Code 171)
Engrossed: Health and Safety Code 171.002, Health and Safety Code 171.046, Health and Safety Code 171.063 (Health and Safety Code 171)
House Committee Report: Health and Safety Code 171.002, Health and Safety Code 171.046, Health and Safety Code 171.063 (Health and Safety Code 171)
Enrolled: Health and Safety Code 171.002, Health and Safety Code 171.046, Health and Safety Code 171.063 (Health and Safety Code 171)