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 of 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 specifies that a physician may perform an abortion to protect the life of the mother without the necessity for the risk to be imminent or irreversible. Additionally, the bill emphasizes that physicians should act to provide the best chance for the survival of an unborn child unless it poses a greater risk to the mother's health.

The legislation also includes provisions to protect physicians from disciplinary actions when exercising reasonable medical judgment in emergencies and clarifies that certain actions do not constitute aiding or abetting prohibited abortions. It aligns exceptions to prohibited abortions with recent Texas Supreme Court rulings, ensuring timely medical interventions in critical situations. The bill mandates the State Bar of Texas to develop a continuing legal education program on abortion regulations and requires the Texas Medical Board to create approved courses on pregnancy-related medical emergencies for physicians. Furthermore, it clarifies that a pregnant woman seeking an abortion is not guilty of any offense related to such conduct. The act is set to take effect immediately upon a two-thirds vote from both legislative 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)
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)