On October 31, 2024, Tony Pastor, MD, a congenital cardiologist, posted a TikTok video, now viewed 28,100 times, informing the public of their right not to respond to the citizenship question on hospital intake forms.³ Although Gov. Abbott stated this right explicitly in his executive order, on Nov. 24, he posted on X: “Hey Texas Children’s Hospital & Baylor College of Medicine, this doctor is putting your Medicaid & Medicare funding at risk. You better think twice & have crystal clear records. There will be consequences for failing to follow the law in the Order.”⁴

When asked for an interview on the topic, Texas Children’s in Houston responded: “Texas Children’s continues to prioritize patient care while also ensuring we are in full compliance with all laws and legal directives.”

Texas physicians and hospitals have become familiar with the merging of medicine and politics. While federal law does not protect access to elective abortions, it does protect access to emergency medical care.

David Wampler, PhD, LP, FAEMS, is a professor in the Department of Emergency Health Sciences at UT Health San Antonio. While Dr. Wampler exercises his right to academic freedom, his views are expressed in an individual capacity and do not represent the views of the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio or UT Health San Antonio.

References

1. G Abbott. Executive Order GA 46. 2024. Accessed January 14, 2025.
2. L Robertson. Breaking down the immigration figures. FactCheck.org. Posted on February 27, 2024. Accessed January 14, 2025.
3. T Pastor. DrTonyPastor. TikTok.com. October 31, 2024. Accessed January 14, 2025.
4. G Abbott. X. November 24, 2025. Accessed January 14, 2025.