The Pro-Life Scorecard is one of the most reliable tools for Texas voters who want the truth about who leads, who follows, and who is subverting Pro-Life legislative efforts under the Capitol dome. As the session progresses, Texas Right to Life ardently watches and analyzes legislation and amendments impacting Pro-Life initiatives. After the close of the 85th Session of the Texas Legislature, votes on such measures will be released in a detailed report of the Pro-Life efforts and missed opportunities after adjournment of this session. Pro-Life Scorecard Alert – Tuesday, May 9, 2017 On the Texas House of Representatives’ Calendar for Tuesday, May 9, there are two bills relating to abortion (House Bill 2962 by Capriglione and House Bill 3771 by Cook) and one Pro-Life priority bill (House Bill 2063 by Bonnen). Votes on the following issues are eligible for scoring in Texas Right to Life’s Pro-Life Scorecard for the 85th Session: |
House Bill 2962 | |||
Texas Right to Life is neutral on House Bill 2962 unless the bill is amended relating to reporting of abortion complications; this requirement is already in the Texas Administrative Code and is therefore redundant and unnecessary as currently written. To truly have an impact on the Pro-Life cause, House Bill 2962 requires multiple amendments. | |||
House Bill 2962 | This bill codifies reporting requirements on abortion complications that already exist in the Texas Administrative Code. | Texas Right to Life is NEUTRAL unless amended | |
Amendment to HB 2962 | Amendment to require reporting of complications to the department within 48 hours, not 30 days. | Texas Right to Life SUPPORTS | |
Amendment to HB 2962 | Amendment to require reporting on how consent was secured for a pregnant teen seeking an abortion. | Texas Right to Life SUPPORTS | |
Amendment to HB 2962 | Amendment to allow disclosure of the abortionist who caused the abortion complication during the procedure. | Texas Right to Life SUPPORTS | |
Amendment to HB 2962 | Amendment to strengthen comprehensive reporting requirements for all abortions. | Texas Right to Life SUPPORTS | |
Amendment to HB 2962 | Amendment to require written certification of abortions provided due to diagnosed fetal abnormality in accordance with Chapter 170 of the Health and Safety Code. | Texas Right to Life SUPPORTS |
House Bill 3771 | |||
Texas Right to Life is neutral on House Bill 3771 unless the bill is amended. This bill changes the definition of abortion throughout Texas law. The committee substitute for HB 3771 would add contradictory language into Texas law. To truly have a positive impact on the Pro-Life cause, House Bill 3771 requires multiple amendments. | |||
House Bill 3771 | This bill redefines abortion and exempts ectopic pregnancy removals from the definition. | Texas Right to Life is NEUTRAL unless amended | |
Amendment to HB 3771 | Amends the proposed definition of abortion to resolve the current contradictory language in CSHB 3771 that defines abortion as the termination of a pregnancy. | Texas Right to Life SUPPORTS | |
Amendment to HB 3771 | Amendment to add a definition of “ectopic pregnancy” and “unborn child” to remove ambiguity or loopholes in abortion law. | Texas Right to Life SUPPORTS | |
Amendment to HB 3771 | Amendment to close the current loophole in Texas law that allows children with disabilities to be victims of abortion after 20 weeks post-fertilization. | Texas Right to Life SUPPORTS | |
Amendment to HB 3771 | Any amendments to protect innocent human Life and strengthen Pro-Life state laws. | Texas Right to Life SUPPORTS |
House Bill 2063 | |||
Texas Right to Life SUPPORTS House Bill 2063 by Representative Greg Bonnen, M.D. This bill is the only Pro-Life priority bill to come to the House floor this session so far. HB 2063 ensures that most patients in hospital settings will not have secret or forced Do-Not-Resuscitate orders placed in their medical files. Current Texas Law is silent on in-hospital DNRs and HB 2063 ensures patient consent is required before this critical medical document is executed. House Bill 2063 is one important step forward in restoring dignity for the sick, the elderly, and those with disabilities in Texas. | |||
House Bill 2063 | This bill requires the patient or surrogate give consent before a Do-Not-Resuscitate order is placed on a hospitalized patient. | Texas Right to Life SUPPORTS | |
Amendments to HB 2063 | Texas Right to Life opposes any substantial changes to HB 2063 on the House floor. | Texas Right to Life OPPOSES |