A powerful testimony from a 17-year-old survivor of medical child abuse dominated the Texas Senate Committee on Health and Human Services meeting on April 30, 2025. Alyssa Waver, who could not attend in person, shared her harrowing experiences through a text read aloud, highlighting the urgent need for legislative action against medical child abuse.

Alyssa recounted a traumatic childhood marked by abuse from her biological mother, who subjected her to unnecessary medical procedures and surgeries. She emphasized the critical role of her doctors and a detective in rescuing her from a life-threatening situation, stating, "If my heroes had not rescued me... I believe I would have died." Her emotional plea underscored the reality that many children suffer in silence, urging lawmakers to become "other kids' heroes."

In response to Alyssa's testimony, Senator Perry raised concerns about the proposed education-based program aimed at preventing medical child abuse. He questioned the effectiveness of such a program, arguing that it may not adequately address the accountability of medical professionals involved in unnecessary procedures. "Where are those people doing those procedures in an accountability phase for what they've done?" he asked, emphasizing the need for a more robust system to protect vulnerable children.

The committee also discussed the complexities of identifying medical child abuse, with several senators expressing the need for a balanced approach that does not stigmatize parents advocating for their children's health. Senator Cook shared a personal experience from the ER, illustrating how convincing some patients can be, while others highlighted the potential for misdiagnosis and the lasting impact of false allegations on families.

As the meeting progressed, witnesses from various backgrounds, including medical professionals and parents of medically complex children, voiced their concerns about the bill. Many argued that the proposed training could lead to overreach and discrimination against families seeking legitimate medical care for their children. They called for a more nuanced approach that considers the unique challenges faced by families with medically fragile children.

The committee ultimately decided to leave the bill pending, indicating that further discussions and modifications are necessary to ensure that the legislation effectively addresses the issue of medical child abuse without inadvertently harming innocent families. The meeting highlighted the delicate balance lawmakers must strike between protecting children and supporting families navigating complex medical needs.