Your Right to Informed Consent

In Texas, pregnant individuals have the right to make informed decisions about their maternity care. This includes:
• Choosing your birth setting: Hospital, birth center, or home.
• Selecting your care provider: Obstetrician, midwife, or other qualified professionals.
• Accepting or refusing medical interventions: Such as inductions, cesarean sections, or medications.

Note: Midwives in Texas are required to provide informed consent, discussing the risks and benefits of home birth versus hospital birth. 

Medicaid for Pregnant Women

Texas Medicaid offers comprehensive coverage during pregnancy and up to two months postpartum, including: 
• Prenatal doctor visits
• Prenatal vitamins
• Labor and delivery
• Postpartum checkups
• Baby’s health services   

For more details, visit the Texas Health and Human Services website. 

CHIP Perinatal
For those who don’t qualify for Medicaid, CHIP Perinatal covers: 
• Up to 20 prenatal visits
• Prescription drugs
• Labor and delivery
• Two postpartum visits for the mother
• Regular checkups and prescriptions for the baby  

Learn more at the Texas Children’s Health Plan. 

Filing a Complaint

If you believe your rights have been violated or you received substandard care:
• Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC):
• Call: 1-800-458-9858, Option 5
• Email: hfc.complaints@hhs.texas.gov
• Fax: 833-709-5735
• Mail:
Health and Human Services Commission
Health Facility Compliance Unit
P.O. Box 149347
Austin, TX 78714-9347
• Texas Medical Board (for complaints against physicians):
• Online: Complaint Form
• Call: 1-800-201-9353
• Mail:
Texas Medical Board
Investigations Department
P.O. Box 2018
Austin, TX 78768-2018

Seeking a Second Opinion
You have the right to seek a second opinion regarding your medical care. Consult your insurance provider to understand coverage for additional consultations.   

Hospital Birth
• Pros:
Immediate access to emergency care, including cesarean sections and neonatal intensive care units.
• Cons:
May have more medical interventions and less personalized care. 

Birth Center
• Pros:
Home-like environment with a focus on natural birth.
Midwife-led care.
• Cons:
Limited emergency facilities; must transfer to a hospital if complications arise.

Note: Texas law requires birth centers to be within 30 minutes of a hospital with a labor and delivery department. 

Home Birth
• Pros:
Maximum comfort and control over the birthing environment.
• Cons:
Limited access to emergency care; requires a well-prepared plan for hospital transfer if needed.

In Texas, midwives must have a physician or hospital referral plan in place for emergencies and are required to discuss the risks and benefits of home birth versus hospital birth with their clients.