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Bill

SB 1831

Relating to the duties of the Texas Maternal Mortality and Morbidity Review Committee and the collection, maintenance, and disclosure of maternal health records regarding voluntary termination of pregnancy.

89th Legislature (2025) Introduced by Tan Parker

Expands Texas maternal mortality committee duties to specifically track voluntary pregnancy terminations and establishes new rules for collecting, maintaining, and sharing related medical records.

Referred to Health & Human Services
#abortion(i0005) #health--general(i0385) #medicalrecords(s0104) #pregnancy&childbirth(s0294) #texasmaternalmortalityandmorbidityreviewcommittee(v1186) #women(i0925)
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Bill Summary · SB 1831

Legislative bill overview

SB 1831 modifies the Texas Maternal Mortality and Morbidity Review Committee's duties and establishes new protocols for collecting, maintaining, and disclosing medical records related to voluntary pregnancy terminations. The bill specifically addresses how maternal health data involving abortion is handled within the state's maternal mortality review system.

Why is this important

Maternal mortality review committees typically examine deaths and severe complications to identify prevention strategies. This bill's specific focus on pregnancy termination records raises questions about the primary purpose of the data collection—whether it's genuinely for maternal health improvement or for other regulatory/enforcement purposes. The confidentiality and disclosure provisions could significantly impact both patient privacy protections and how this sensitive health information is used.

Potential points of contention

  • Privacy vs. enforcement concerns: Opponents worry that detailed collection of voluntary termination records could enable enforcement of abortion restrictions, while supporters may argue transparency improves maternal safety
  • Committee scope creep: Questions whether a maternal mortality committee should be primarily focused on pregnancy terminations versus all maternal health complications
  • Data security and disclosure standards: Disagreement over what confidentiality protections should exist and which agencies/entities should access this sensitive reproductive health information

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

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