Is Abortion Legal in Texas?
Abortion is currently banned in Texas, except to preserve the life of the pregnant woman. This will not affect care for miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy. A woman who seeks or obtains an abortion will not be held criminally or civilly liable under Texas law. [1][2]
We strongly recommend receiving an ultrasound before an abortion. Keep reading to find out why.
Why Do I Need an Ultrasound?
You may be wondering why you’d want an ultrasound, especially if you’re considering abortion. Ultrasounds provide the information needed to make an empowered decision for an unplanned pregnancy.
They determine two key things: viability and gestational age.
What is Pregnancy Viability?
A viable pregnancy means that, in the early stages, growth and development are progressing as expected. For example, after about 6 weeks gestation, the embryo’s heartbeat can be detected by an ultrasound. [3]
This is important to know because a significant number of pregnancies end on their own in miscarriage. [4] The ultrasound can also show if the pregnancy is inside the uterus. A small number of pregnancies form outside the uterus, known as ectopic pregnancy. Not only can ectopic pregnancies be life-threatening, but the abortion pill doesn’t treat them [5]—in either case, abortion is no longer an option to consider.
What is Gestational Age?
Gestational age refers to how far along you are in your pregnancy. It’s important to know your gestational age since the abortion pill is only FDA-approved for up to 10 weeks from your last menstrual period. [6] If you’re considering traveling out of state for an abortion, be aware that the surrounding areas may have gestational age limitations as well.
Consider visiting Embrace Life Initiative for an ultrasound referral. If your ultrasound determines that you’re too far along to take the abortion pill, our compassionate client advocates will help you explore all of your pregnancy options, so you can make the best choice for your health and future.
Ultrasound Referrals in Round Rock, Texas
No matter where you are in your unplanned pregnancy journey, you aren’t alone. Embrace Life Initiative provides ultrasound referrals, so you can get the support needed to make an informed decision.
Don’t wait to get the care you deserve. Give us a call at 737-257-6148 or contact us online. All services are free and confidential!
Please be aware that this article is not meant to be a substitute for medical advice or treatment. We cannot diagnose any medical problems you may be experiencing, pregnancy-related or otherwise.
Sources
- Health and Safety Code Chapter 170A. Performance of Abortion. Texas Constitution and Statutes. (2022, August 25). https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/HS/htm/HS.170A.htm
- Health and Safety Code Chapter 171. Abortion. Texas Constitution and Statutes. (2021, September 1). https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/HS/pdf/HS.171.pdf
- Männer, J. (2022, June 9). When Does the Human Embryonic Heart Start Beating? A Review of Contemporary and Historical Sources of Knowledge about the Onset of Blood Circulation in Man. Journal of Cardiovascular Development and Disease. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9225347/
- Mayo Clinic. (2023, September 8). Miscarriage – Symptoms and Causes. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/pregnancy-loss-miscarriage/symptoms-causes/syc-20354298
- FDA. (2023, September 1). Questions and Answers on Mifeprex. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. https://www.fda.gov/drugs/postmarket-drug-safety-information-patients-and-providers/questions-and-answers-mifeprex
- Center for Drug Evaluation and Research. (2023, March 23). Mifeprex (Mifepristone). U.S. Food and Drug Administration. https://www.fda.gov/drugs/postmarket-drug-safety-information-patients-and-providers/mifeprex-mifepristone-information