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SJR 10

Proposing a constitutional amendment guaranteeing the right of individuals to refuse medical treatments.

89th Legislature (2025) Introduced by Bob Hall and 1 co-sponsor

Texas constitutional amendment would guarantee individuals' right to refuse medical treatments, requiring legislative passage and voter approval in referendum.

Co-author authorized
#health--general(i0385) #health--otherdiseases&medicalconditions(i0383) #resolutions--constitutionalamendments(i0661)
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Bill Summary · SJR 10

Legislative bill overview

SJR 10 proposes a constitutional amendment that would explicitly guarantee individuals' right to refuse medical treatments in the Texas Constitution. As a joint resolution, it requires approval from both chambers of the legislature and passage by Texas voters in a statewide referendum to become law.

Why is this important

This amendment would constitutionally enshrine medical autonomy at the state level, potentially affecting healthcare decision-making, end-of-life care, parental rights in medical decisions, and public health policy. It raises questions about how medical refusal rights interact with existing laws on child protection, infectious disease control, and emergency medical care.

Potential points of contention

  • Scope ambiguity: The bill doesn't define what constitutes a "medical treatment" or clarify whether it applies to minors, guardianship situations, or cases involving public health emergencies
  • Public health conflicts: Constitutional protection for treatment refusal could complicate disease control measures, vaccine requirements, or emergency response protocols during pandemics
  • Parental rights vs. child welfare: Unclear how this interacts with existing laws requiring parents to provide necessary medical care to children and state intervention in cases of medical neglect

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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