The Libertarian Party of Texas (LPTexas) supports House Bill 1652, which affirms a parent’s right to choose or decline cancer treatment—including experimental options—for their child without interference or penalty from government agencies, healthcare providers, or insurers. This bill reinforces the foundational libertarian principles of bodily autonomy, parental authority, and protection from state overreach.

Upholding Medical Freedom and Informed Consent
HB 1652 recognizes that parents, not the state, are best positioned to make healthcare decisions for their children. Medical treatment must be a matter of voluntary agreement—not coercion—particularly when the treatments involve high risks, uncertain outcomes, or experimental protocols.

Protecting Families from Government Interference
This bill explicitly prohibits the Department of Family and Protective Services or other state entities from penalizing families for choosing or declining treatment. LPTexas opposes all unjustified government intrusion into family life and affirms that decisions about a child’s care belong to the family, not the state.

Respecting Parental Rights and Individual Liberty
HB 1652 reinforces the right of parents to act in the best interest of their children, free from bureaucratic second-guessing. LPTexas holds that parental rights are natural rights and must be protected against government encroachment unless there is clear evidence of harm.

Conclusion
The Libertarian Party of Texas urges the Legislature to pass HB 1652. In preserving parental choice and limiting the reach of government into deeply personal medical decisions, this bill strengthens the principles of liberty, personal responsibility, and self-ownership that form the bedrock of a free society.