The bill, S.B. No. 43, proposes amendments to the Health and Safety Code regarding exceptions to laws prohibiting abortion. It introduces a new exception allowing for abortions if the pregnant patient indicates that the pregnancy resulted from sexual assault or aggravated sexual assault, without requiring the patient to file a police report, provide forensic evidence, or pursue prosecution of the alleged offense. Additionally, the bill modifies the heading of Section 171.205 to reflect these exceptions and clarifies that certain sections do not apply to abortions performed under the new exception.

Furthermore, the bill amends various sections to ensure that the subchapter does not authorize legal action against pregnant patients for abortions performed in compliance with the new exceptions. It also repeals Chapter 6-1/2 of the Revised Statutes, which previously regulated abortion, and emphasizes that the new provisions do not legalize conduct prohibited by existing laws or limit the enforceability of other abortion 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)