Is Abortion Legal in Texas?

Abortion is currently banned in Texas, except to preserve the life of the mother. 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. The answer is that ultrasounds provide the insight needed to make an informed and empowered decision for an unplanned pregnancy. They determine two key things about your pregnancy: viability and gestational age.

What is Pregnancy Viability?

A viable pregnancy means that growth and development are progressing within the uterus and if a heartbeat is present. An ultrasound exam is the most reliable way to confirm a viable pregnancy. 

This is critical information because a significant number of pregnancies end on their own in miscarriage[3]. The ultrasound will also show if the pregnancy is forming outside of the uterus, known as ectopic pregnancy. Not only can ectopic pregnancies be life-threatening, but the abortion pill doesn’t treat them[4]. Call your medical provider immediately if you think you may be experiencing an ectopic pregnancy.

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[5]. 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 receiving a free ultrasound at Mid Cities Women’s Clinic. If your ultrasound determines that you’re too far along to take the abortion pill, our compassionate patient advocates will help you explore all of your pregnancy options, so you can make the best choice for your health and future. 

Free Ultrasounds in Fort Worth, TX

No matter where you are in your unplanned pregnancy journey, you aren’t alone. Our ultrasound-trained personnel are here to provide the support and vital information needed to make an informed decision.

Call us at (817) 512-8572, text us at (817) 442-6147, or schedule your appointment today. All services are free and confidential! 

Schedule An Appointment

Please be aware that this article is not meant to be a substitute for medical advice or treatment. Our limited ultrasound examination is strictly for the purposes of confirming your pregnancy, detecting fetal cardiac activity, and estimating gestational age. We cannot diagnose any medical problems you may be experiencing, pregnancy-related or otherwise. 

Sources

  1. Health and Safety Code Chapter 170A. Performance of Abortion. Texas Constitution and Statutes. (2022, August 25). Retrieved from https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/HS/htm/HS.170A.htm    
  2. Health and Safety Code Chapter 171. Abortion. Texas Constitution and Statutes. (2021, September 1). Retrieved from https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/HS/pdf/HS.171.pdf  
  3. Mayo Clinic. (2023, September 8). Miscarriage – Symptoms and Causes. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/pregnancy-loss-miscarriage/symptoms-causes/syc-20354298
  4. FDA. (2023, September 1). Questions and Answers on Mifeprex. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Retrieved from https://www.fda.gov/drugs/postmarket-drug-safety-information-patients-and-providers/questions-and-answers-mifeprex  
  5. Center for Drug Evaluation and Research. (2021, December 16). Mifeprex (Mifepristone). U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Retrieved from https://www.fda.gov/drugs/postmarket-drug-safety-information-patients-and-providers/mifeprex-mifepristone-information 
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