AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT
Many women suffer from minor to severe medical complications as a result of surgical procedures, including abortions. Women who choose to have an abortion should receive the same standard of care any other individual in Texas receives, regardless of the surgical procedure performed.
S.B. 1198 seeks to increase the health and safety of a woman who chooses to have an abortion by requiring a physician performing or inducing an abortion to have admitting privileges at a hospital.
As proposed, S.B. 1198 amends current law relating to requirements for physicians who perform abortions, and creates an offense.
RULEMAKING AUTHORITY
This bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, institution, or agency.
SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS
SECTION 1. Amends Subchapter A, Chapter 171, Health and Safety Code, by adding Section 171.0031, as follows:
Sec. 171.0031. REQUIREMENTS OF PHYSICIAN; OFFENSE. (a) Requires a physician performing or inducing an abortion to, on the date the abortion is performed, have active admitting privileges at a hospital that:
(1) is located not further than 30 miles from the location at which the abortion is performed or induced; and
(2) provides obstetrical or gynecological health care services.
(b) Provides that a physician who violates Subsection (a) commits an offense. Provides that an offense under this section is a Class A misdemeanor.
SECTION 2. Effective date: September 1, 2013.