5 new Texas laws set to take effect next month
3. ‘Life of the Mother’ bill clarifies abortion
Senate Bill 31, also known as the Life of the Mother Act, clarifies language used in the 2022 law that banned abortion services statewide. Under SB 31, doctors are not required to delay or withhold lifesaving medical treatment for any pregnant woman.
The bill also expands the term “life-threatening” to include any preexisting conditions that might not be actively injuring a patient at the time of treatment.
SB 31, which enjoyed support from pro-life groups such as Texas Alliance for Life and Texas Right to Life, was passed by the Texas Senate in April and signed into law by Gov. Gregg Abbott on June 20.
