Texas Medical Board discussing clarification for abortion exceptions

AUSTIN (Nexstar) — The Texas Medical Board is meeting Friday to discuss proposed rules that would help clarify when doctors can perform an emergency abortion under Texas law. 

The meeting began at 8 a.m. and the public can find a livestream online by looking at the meeting agenda. 

Dr. Sherif Zaafran, Texas Medical Board president, said the proposed rules would “help define” existing definitions in Texas’ abortion ban and how the board considers complaints against doctors. 

He also mentioned the board is working with the Attorney General’s office to discuss the language of the possible rule changes. 

The board will read the rules and debate approval or amendment at the end of the meeting. There will be a 30-day public comment period and a possible “stakeholder meeting” if the changes are ratified. 

The meeting was largely prompted by a petition from Texas lawyers asking the board for “clear guidance.” 

The Texas Medical Board is made up of 12 physicians and seven members of the public who are appointed by the governor. One member, Dr. Satish Nayak, is an OB-GYN.