Texas § HS.172.002 - REMOVAL OF PLACENTA FROM HOSPITAL OR BIRTHING CENTER
Full text of Texas The Texas Constitution § HS.172.002 — REMOVAL OF PLACENTA FROM HOSPITAL OR BIRTHING CENTER, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ HS.172.002. REMOVAL OF PLACENTA FROM HOSPITAL OR BIRTHING CENTER
REMOVAL OF PLACENTA FROM HOSPITAL OR BIRTHING CENTER. (a) Except for the portion of a delivered placenta that is necessary for an examination described by Subsection (d), a hospital or birthing center without a court order shall allow a woman who has given birth in the facility, or a spouse of the woman if the woman is incapacitated or deceased, to take possession of and remove from the facility the placenta if: (1) the woman tests negative for infectious diseases as evidenced by the results of the diagnostic testing required by Section 81.090 ; and (2) the person taking possession of the placenta signs a form prescribed by the department acknowledging that: (A) the person has received from the hospital or birthing center educational information prescribed by the department concerning the spread of blood-borne diseases from placentas, the danger of ingesting formalin, and the proper handling of placentas; and (B) the placenta is for personal use. (b) A person removing a placenta from a hospital or birthing center under this section may only retain the placenta for personal use and may not sell the placenta. (c) A hospital or birthing center shall retain a signed form received under Subsection (a) with the woman's medical records. (d) This section does not prohibit a pathological examination of the delivered placenta that is ordered by a physician or required by a policy of the hospital or birthing center. (e) This section does not authorize a woman or the woman's spouse to interfere with a pathological examination of the delivered placenta that is ordered by a physician or required by a policy of the hospital or birthing center. (f) A hospital or birthing center that allows a person to take possession of and remove from the facility a delivered placenta in compliance with this section is not required to dispose of the placenta as medical waste. (g) A hospital or birthing center that acts in accordance with this section is not liable for the act in a civil action, a criminal prosecution, or an administrative proceeding. Added by Acts 2015, 84th Leg., R.S., Ch. 740 (H.B. 1670 ), Sec. 1, eff. June 17, 2015.
Source: official Texas text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Texas § HS.172.002
What does The Texas Constitution § HS.172.002 cover?
Section HS.172.002 ("REMOVAL OF PLACENTA FROM HOSPITAL OR BIRTHING CENTER") is part of the The Texas Constitution, the codified statutory law of Texas. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Texas § HS.172.002?
A common citation format is "The Texas Constitution § HS.172.002" (Texas). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Texas law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Texas official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Texas attorney.
How does Texas § HS.172.002 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Texas can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Texas.