The duties of the Texas Maternal Mortality and Morbidity Review Committee

Texas House Bill 2117, introduced in 2025, aimed to expand the responsibilities of the Texas Maternal Mortality and Morbidity Review Committee. The bill proposed that the committee annually study and review cases of pregnancy-related deaths, trends and disparities in these deaths and severe maternal morbidity, health conditions affecting at-risk populations, and best practices from other states. Additionally, it sought to compare pregnancy-related death rates based on socioeconomic status, assess the feasibility of studying severe maternal morbidity cases, and, in consultation with the Perinatal Advisory Council, make recommendations to reduce these incidents in Texas. The bill was left pending in a subcommittee on April 3, 2025, and did not progress further.

Positive media analysis is being generated.

Although direct media critiques of HB2117 are not found, potential opposition may have arisen from concerns about the bill's impact on existing resources or the feasibility of implementing its provisions. Some stakeholders might have questioned the effectiveness of expanding the committee's duties without additional funding or support, possibly leading to skepticism about the bill's potential impact on reducing maternal mortality and morbidity.