FAQ

TAPPA has compiled a list of frequently asked questions regarding abortion, contraceptives, emergency contraceptives, minors, sexual education, sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and HIV/AIDS and political action .

ABORTION

Abortion is legal in Texas. However, it is much easier, although still quite a problem for some Texas women in certain rural areas of Texas, to find an abortion provider early in pregnancy. Most abortion providers in Texas perform abortions in the first trimester (1-16 weeks), but all abortions after 16 weeks must be done in ambulatory surgical centers instead of in regular abortion clinics. This lessens the numbers of providers quite a bit. To find a provider near you, click here.

Elective abortions are available to women up to 24 weeks, after that period, only abortions to save the life of the woman are legal. This is due to a bill signed by former Governor George W. Bush. This bill makes it illegal for women to get an abortion after 24 weeks of pregnancy, only making an exception if the life, not health, of the woman is in danger.

Despite the fact that abortions are legal in Texas up to 24 weeks, some women may find it impossible to obtain one, either because of financial or geographical hardships. In Texas, there are only 15 counties, out of 254, that have an abortion provider. This means that some women, especially those that live in rural areas, have to travel hundreds of miles, sometimes taking off work, paying for travel expenses and/or arranging for childcare, to get a safe and legal medical procedure. Financial constraints are also a barrier for many women needing an abortion because in Texas, Medicaid cannot be used to pay for even Medically necessary abortions.

Yes. There are two drugs, methotrexate and mifepristone, that cause medical abortions. Both are available in Texas. Medical abortions can be done until the 63rd day of pregnancy.

Yes. In the 78th Legislative Session in 2003, Texas passed a law, HB 15, mandating that a woman must be given materials by the Texas Department of Health 24-hours before having an abortion. The materials include color photos of fetal development and information about the mythical link between abortion and breast cancer. The American Cancer Society disputes this link, citing a recent study done by the National Canter Institute that disproves a correlation between abortion and breast cancer.

No. Under Texas law, women over 18 do not have to notify or obtain consent from anyone, including her boyfriend or husband. Please see the section on Minors for the current laws regarding consent.

The cost of the procedure varies among providers and is also affected by how far into the pregnancy a woman is, and whether she chooses to have a surgical or medical abortion. Medicaid funds cannot be used to pay for an abortion in Texas, even in cases of rape, incest or threat to the woman's health. There are some organizations that will help low-income women pay for abortions, please see "Links" on our homepage.

Yes. In Texas there is a Refusal Clause that allows heath care providers to opt out of providing abortions or even information or referrals. There are also organizations, called Crisis Pregnancy Centers, which often offer "free" pregnancy tests. These organizations are often funded or run by the Religious Right and will refuse to give women referrals to abortion providers.

CONTRACEPTION

The Planned Parenthood Federation of America's website on contraception has information on a variety of contraceptive methods. Texas has 85 Planned Parenthood clinics that can provide accurate information and help women and men decide the best contraceptive method their bodies and lifestyles.

Many services at Planned Parenthood clinics are on a sliding scale, which means they are based on a patient's income and ability to pay. Planned Parenthood staff can counsel patients about the cost.

No. SB 541, passed in the 78th Legislative Session in 2003 repealed Texas' contraceptive equity law. Some insurance providers no longer are required to cover prescription contraceptives.

Yes. Emergency contraception (EC) can be taken after contraceptive failure, sexual assault or unprotected sex and help prevent an unintended pregnancy. EC, formerly known as the 'morning-after pill', is a high dose of regular birth control pills that can help prevent pregnancy if taken within 120 hours (5 days) of unprotected sex. However, the sooner it is taken after unprotected sex, the more effective it is. It is best to take EC within 24-hours of unprotected sex, as its effectiveness at preventing pregnancy within this time period is as high as 89% if a progestin-only product is used. Emergency insertion of an IUD (intrauterine device) can also be used to prevent pregnancy after intercourse, although the use of contraceptive pills are much more common. EC does not protect against STIs or HIV/AIDS.

Hormonal emergency contraceptives can act in three ways: 1) preventing ovulation; 2) preventing fertilization; 3) preventing implantation.

No. Emergency contraception is just that: contraception . It is not the same thing as the "abortion pill". EC helps to prevent pregnancy and doesn't work if a woman is already pregnant.

Emergency contraception is available at Planned Parenthood clinics. For a list of providers in your area, please call 1-888-NOT-2-LATE.

MINORS

Yes. A minor (a woman under 18) may not have an abortion unless she obtains written consent from a parent. A minor may bypass the consent requirement by obtaining a court order stating that 1) she is mature and sufficiently well informed to make her own decision; 2) parental notification is not in her best interests; or 3) parental notification may lead to physical, sexual or emotional abuse of the minor. For more information about obtaining a judicial bypass, see Jane's Due Process.

Yes. Minors who wish to obtain the above services must get parental permission. This mandate does not apply to Title X clinics. Minors can receive condoms, birth control foam or film, information about birth control, pregnancy tests and diagnosis and treatment for certain sexually transmitted infections without parental permission.

SEXUAL EDUCATION

Yes. SB1 in the Texas Legislative Session outlines protocol regarding sexual education in public schools. All public schools in Texas must teach abstinence-based education, which must emphasize abstinence as the most effective way to avoid pregnancy and STIs. This is different, however, than abstinence only education. Abstinence-based education allows schools to teach about contraceptives and protection against STIs, and also allows for the distribution of condoms, provided that the information regarding condom usage and the actual distribution of condoms are separate. Local school districts have the power to decide what information will be distributed to their students.

STIs and HIV/AIDS

All Texas Planned Parenthood affiliate clinics can provide information regarding testing for STIs and HIV/AIDS, information about protection against transmission of STIs and HIV/AIDS, and treatment options for STIs and HIV/AIDS. Planned Parenthood Federation of America's website also has information on STIs and HIV/AIDS.

POLITICAL ACTION

Freedom of choice is currently under assault on the national, state and local levels. To receive more information about the state of choice in Texas, sign up to receive TAPPA's email alerts. You can also sign up for Planned Parenthood Federation of America's email alerts to receive information about choice issues nationally.

Registering to vote is an important way to protect and promote freedom of choice. Also, it is important to communicate your support for choice to your elected officials. TAPPA makes it easy to stay informed and send letters to your local officials.

 
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