The departure of Robert Bredt, M.D. as medical director did not resolve the issues with the Texas Medical Board (TMB), state Rep. Brian Harrison (R-Midlothian) told Health Care News.
“We are a pro-life state, and it is unbelievable that an executive branch agency hired a Planned Parenthood official to help regulate Texas doctors and the practice of medicine,” said Harrison. “There should be an investigation to determine how this happened, and accountability for every bureaucrat involved.”
Bredt resigned after information from a lawsuit revealed Bredt also worked as a medical director for Planned Parenthood of South Texas (see related article.)
The TMB’s website indicated Berdt’s position on the TMB staff, formally designated as Deputy Director I, was open for employment applications as of January 8 and remained open as of February 7.
Oversees Abortion Cases
The TMB investigates allegations of illegal abortions by physicians as part of its regulation of medical practices and can suspend or revoke a physician’s license for violating its regulatory interpretations of state law.
“Texas law bans abortion, except when a doctor, in their ‘reasonable medical judgment,’ believes it is necessary to save the life or protect the health of the pregnant patient,” the Tribune reported.
On March 22, 2024, the publication reported the TMB proposed a “broad” definition for what constitutes an emergency medical exception under the state’s otherwise strict abortion ban.
After complaints, the TMB adopted a “guidance” on abortion the Tribune reported on June 22, 2024. “Guidance” specifies how the board would investigate allegations of illegal abortions, and it can evolve.
Joe Barnett ([email protected]) writes from Arlington, Texas.
Joe Barnett is a senior editor at The Heartland Institute and a policy advisor on budget and tax issues.
