Signed by Governor Greg Abbott

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that requires additional medical reports from physicians when an abortion is performed on a minor.

Highlights:

• Specifies that reports to the state regarding third trimester abortions of viable fetuses must include a certification of the fetal abnormality identified by the physician (Sec. 1).

• Requires physicians who perform an abortion on a minor to note in the patient’s medical record and report the method by which authorization was obtained, meaning one of the following (Sec. 2):

• The patient’s parent or guardian provided written consent;

• The patient obtained a judicial waiver of parental consent;

• The patient was an emancipated minor; or

• The physician determined that a medical emergency existed.

• Requires physicians who perform an abortion on a minor to note in the patient’s medical record and report, in circumstances in which parental consent was given, whether consent was given at the location at which the abortion was performed or at another location (Sec. 2).

• Requires physicians who perform an abortion on a minor to note in the patient’s medical record and report, in circumstances in which a judicial waiver was obtained, the following information (Sec. 2):

• If applicable, the process by which the physician informed the patient of the availability of petitioning for a judicial waiver;

• Whether court forms were provided to the patient by the physician; and

• Whether the physician made arrangement for the patient’s court appearance.

Full Bill Text