Several bills were filed this session regarding abortion. TMA
does not take a position either for or against abortion, leaving
that decision to individual physicians. TMA does develop
recommendations when an abortion-related bill proposes additional
reporting or administrative requirements on physicians; interferes
with physicians' ability to maintain a candid, confidential
relationship with their patients; or if it is not scientifically
sound.
No abortion-related bills passed this session. Bills filed that
TMA raised objections to follow.
Abortion Reporting
Senate Bill 785 by Sen. Florence Shapiro (R-Plano) and Rep. Geannie
Morrison (R-Victoria) would have required extensive reporting of
abortions and complications from abortions. It also would have
imposed penalties for failure to comply. The bill died in the House
on a point-of-order.
Abortion Ultrasound
Senate Bill 920 by Sen. Dan Patrick (R-Houston) and Rep. Frank
Corte Jr. (R-San Antonio) would have required a physician to
perform an ultrasound and would have required the women to view it
prior to performing an abortion. The committee substitute would not
have required the woman to view the image of the ultrasound prior
to an abortion, although the ultrasound would still have been a
requirement. The bill died in the House late in the session after
the House sponsor pulled the bill down in order to avoid a
contentious and lengthy floor debate with time running out in the
session.
A rider was included within the Texas Department of State Health
Services (DSHS) budget clarifying that a family-planning
organization "affiliated" with an abortion service provider will
not be disqualified for funding as long the family-planning
provider meets certain stipulations, including being legally
separate entities that have easily distinguishable names and
separate boards of directors (HB 1: DSHS Rider 77, Article II).
Abortion TMA Staff Team:
Legislative: Michelle Romero
Policy: Gayle Love
Legal: C.J. Francisco
Overview
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Managed Care/Insurance Reform
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Scope of Practice
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Last Updated On
July 23, 2010
Originally Published On
March 23, 2010