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. It allows physicians to perform abortions if a pregnant woman has a life-threatening condition aggravated by the pregnancy and introduces new definitions regarding medical emergencies, stating that physicians can act before a risk becomes imminent and that "life-threatening" conditions do not need to be actively injuring the patient.

The bill also outlines that physicians must provide treatment that offers the best chance for the unborn child's survival unless it poses a greater risk to the pregnant woman. It protects physicians from disciplinary actions when exercising reasonable medical judgment in emergencies and clarifies that accidental or unintentional death of an unborn child during treatment does not violate the law. Additionally, the bill mandates the State Bar of Texas to develop a continuing legal education program on abortion regulations and medical emergencies, and requires the Texas Medical Board to provide approved courses on pregnancy-related medical emergencies for physicians. The provisions are severable, ensuring that if any part is invalidated, the remaining sections will still be effective. The bill will take effect immediately upon a two-thirds vote or on September 1, 2025, if not.

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)