The bill amends various sections of the Health and Safety Code and the Occupations Code in Texas to establish exceptions to existing laws prohibiting abortion. Specifically, it introduces a new subsection (b-1) to Section 170A.002, which allows for abortions if a physician determines they are necessary due to a lethal fetal anomaly or a life-limiting diagnosis indicating that the fetus cannot survive outside the womb without extraordinary medical interventions. Additionally, it modifies Section 171.045 to clarify that certain abortion methods are permissible under specific circumstances, including medical emergencies and the aforementioned diagnoses.

Further amendments include the addition of new exceptions in Sections 171.046, 245.016, and other related provisions, ensuring that abortions performed under these circumstances are not subject to the usual prohibitions. The bill also clarifies that these exceptions apply to abortions performed in unlicensed facilities and protects physicians from disciplinary actions when performing abortions in accordance with these exceptions. The bill is set to take effect 91 days after the conclusion of the legislative session.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Health and Safety Code 171.045, Health and Safety Code 171.205 (Health and Safety Code 171)