The bill, S.B. No. 51, proposes amendments to the Health and Safety Code regarding the regulation of abortion and related matters, particularly focusing on supportive palliative care for infants with lethal fetal anomalies. It introduces new provisions that require the executive commissioner to establish minimum standards for the delivery of such care. Additionally, it allows for exceptions to abortion prohibitions when a pregnant woman's treating physician and another obstetrician determine that an abortion is necessary due to a lethal fetal anomaly. A new requirement is also established for a multidisciplinary ethics committee to review these determinations for fetuses older than 24 weeks.

Furthermore, the bill modifies existing sections to clarify that certain regulations do not apply to abortions performed under the newly established exceptions. It also updates the language regarding exceptions and repeals a previous statute related to abortion regulations. Notably, the bill ensures that women who undergo abortions are not subject to legal action under this subchapter and maintains the ability of political subdivisions to impose stricter regulations. The act is set to take effect 91 days after the legislative session concludes.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Health and Safety Code 171.205, Health and Safety Code 171.206, Health and Safety Code 171.207 (Health and Safety Code 171)