Bill > HB1578

This bill modifies Texas abortion laws by establishing two key exceptions to abortion prohibitions: first, when a licensed physician determines in reasonable medical judgment that an abortion is necessary to prevent serious harm to the pregnant patient's health or well-being, and second, in cases where the pregnancy resulted from sexual assault. The bill requires the Texas Medical Board to publish and annually update a list of medical conditions that could pose a serious risk to a patient's health. It also clarifies that pregnant patients cannot be prosecuted for seeking an abortion and removes language referencing an older statute (Chapter 6-1/2, Title 71, Revised Statutes). The bill prohibits physicians from performing an abortion if they know the risk of serious harm stems from a speculative claim about potential future conduct. Additionally, the bill preserves the ability of political subdivisions to regulate abortion as stringently as state law and maintains the availability of legal remedies related to abortion restrictions. The changes will take effect on September 1, 2025, giving the Texas Medical Board time to prepare the required list of medical conditions.

Health and Social Services

https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=HB1578