H.B. No. 144 aims to enhance the legal protections for unborn children in Texas by recognizing them as individuals with rights equivalent to those of born individuals. The bill emphasizes the sanctity of life and seeks to amend the Penal Code to ensure that unborn children are afforded the same criminal and civil protections as those who are born. Key provisions include the amendment of the definition of "individual" to include unborn children from fertilization until birth, and the introduction of new sections in the Penal Code that apply equally to offenses against unborn victims. Additionally, the bill specifies that unintentional injuries or deaths of unborn children resulting from lifesaving procedures for pregnant mothers or spontaneous miscarriages are exempt from these provisions.

The bill also repeals certain existing laws that could be interpreted as allowing for prenatal homicide or coercion of pregnant women to seek abortions. Specifically, it repeals Section 71.003(c) of the Civil Practice and Remedies Code, along with Sections 19.06 and 22.12 of the Penal Code. The changes will take effect on September 1, 2025, and will apply only to offenses committed or conduct occurring after that date, ensuring that prior offenses are governed by the laws in effect at the time they were committed.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Penal Code 1.07, Civil Practice and Remedies Code 71.003 (Penal Code 1, Civil Practice and Remedies Code 71)