Is Abortion Legal in Texas?
Abortion is now illegal in Texas. This will not interfere with care for medical emergencies, such as miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy[1][2].
If you’re considering traveling out of state for an abortion, we strongly recommend receiving an ultrasound beforehand. 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 thinking about terminating the pregnancy. 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 the pregnancy is progressing properly. For example, at about 6 weeks gestation, the embryo should have a detectable heartbeat[3]. The goal is to rule out a nonviable pregnancy, such as a miscarriage or an ectopic pregnancy—in either case, abortion isn’t needed.
What is Gestational Age?
How far along am I? Your ultrasound can answer that question! It’s important to know how far along you are (also known as your gestational age), as you can’t take the abortion pill past 10 weeks of pregnancy[4]. 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 Metroplex Women’s Clinic! 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!
Schedule a Free Ultrasound at Metroplex Women’s Clinic
No matter where you are in your unplanned pregnancy journey, you aren’t alone! Our trained ultrasound technicians are here to provide the support and vital information needed to make an informed decision.
Give us a call at (817) 299-9599 or schedule your free appointment today. All services are confidential and free of charge!
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
- 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
- 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
- Fetal Development. Cleveland Clinic. (2023, March 3). https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/7247-fetal-development-stages-of-growth
- 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