Texas Medical Board Proposes Guidance on Legal Abortion in Medical Emergencies
March 22, 2024
The Texas Medical Board has released draft guidance aimed at clarifying when abortions are legally permissible in medical emergencies. This move, prompted by a directive from the state Supreme Court and calls from physicians facing legal uncertainties, outlines the conditions under which abortions can be performed to save a patient’s life or prevent substantial bodily harm. The proposed rules stress physicians’ use of “reasonable medical judgment” without specifying a list of conditions, recognizing the varied contexts in which medical emergencies can occur. The guidance follows a petition and heightened public interest after several women, including high-profile cases, were denied emergency abortions, highlighting the severe legal and medical difficulties faced by doctors in Texas. While some see the proposal as a step toward clarity, others, including advocates and affected individuals, remain skeptical, viewing it as insufficient and overly cautious. The board is set to vote on the proposal after a public review period, with potential further delays for revisions.
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[Source: STAT, March 22nd, 2024]
