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HB 2058

Relating to perinatal palliative care provided by certain hospitals, a perinatal palliative care grant program, and a perinatal palliative care hospital recognition program.

89th Legislature (2025) Introduced by Rhetta Bowers and 16 co-sponsors

Texas bill creates hospital grant and recognition programs to expand perinatal palliative care services for severe fetal diagnoses, improving access to comfort-focused care options.

Referred to Public Health
#health&humanservicescommission(v0177) #health--general(i0385) #hospitals(i0400) #pregnancy&childbirth(s0294) #statefinances--management&control(i0748)
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Bill Summary · HB 2058

Legislative bill overview

HB 2058 establishes framework for perinatal palliative care services in Texas hospitals, including a grant program to support hospitals offering these services and a recognition program to identify facilities providing this care. The bill aims to standardize and expand access to compassionate end-of-life care options for pregnancies with severe fetal abnormalities or terminal diagnoses.

Why is this important

Perinatal palliative care—focused on comfort and dignity when continuing a pregnancy with a lethal fetal diagnosis—is a specialized service not universally available across Texas. This bill would increase access to counseling, symptom management, and delivery options for families facing difficult pregnancies, while potentially reducing unnecessary intensive interventions and supporting informed decision-making during medical crises.

Potential points of contention

  • Definition and scope disputes: Disagreement over which diagnoses qualify for perinatal palliative care and whether this creates a pathway to late-term abortion or complements existing services
  • Funding and implementation costs: Questions about grant program budget, hospital capacity to develop new services, and whether funds redirect resources from other maternal health priorities
  • Conscience clause concerns: Debate over religious hospital protections versus patient access guarantees, particularly in regions with limited providers

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

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