Abortion Laws in Texas
Abortion Laws in Texas
Navigating Reproductive Health Care in Texas
Navigating reproductive health care can feel overwhelming, especially as laws and regulations vary widely from state to state. In Texas, a range of abortion-related policies are currently in effect. Whether you're seeking information for yourself or someone you care about, understanding the current legal landscape can support informed and confident decision-making.
Pregnancy Help Center, with locations in
Port Lavaca and Victoria, Texas, provides information on abortion and free ultrasound services to confirm a viable pregnancy for individuals considering abortion.
Current Abortion Laws in Texas
Under Texas Health and Safety Code §170A, it is illegal for physicians to perform abortions in Texas, except in very limited circumstances—such as when the life of the pregnant individual is at serious risk or a major bodily function is in danger. While abortion itself is not illegal for the patient, physicians and others who perform or aid in performing abortions may face severe penalties under Texas law.
Mailing abortion pills is also prohibited in Texas.
Although abortion procedures cannot legally be performed in Texas, there are still important steps you can take before traveling out of state. One of the most critical is scheduling a
free and confidential ultrasound at one of our centers. An ultrasound can confirm whether you have a viable pregnancy and determine how far along you are—key information that impacts what type of abortion procedure you may be eligible for in another state.
Miscarriage Care Is Not Affected
It’s important to clarify that Texas’s abortion laws do not restrict access to miscarriage care. A miscarriage (spontaneous pregnancy loss) is not the same as an abortion, and medical care for miscarriage remains fully legal and available throughout the state.
Unfortunately, misinformation has led some to believe that emergency care for miscarriage is no longer accessible in states with abortion bans. This is not true and can be harmful. Miscarriages can present serious health risks, and hospitals in Texas are both legally permitted and equipped to provide appropriate medical care. If you or someone you know is experiencing a miscarriage, do not hesitate to seek emergency medical attention.
Parental Consent and Provider Guidelines
Minors seeking an abortion in Texas must have parental consent and parental notice. However, if you are under 18 and unsure of your next steps, know that you can still receive
free and confidential support from our clinics. We provide services such as
pregnancy testing and
ultrasounds to confirm a viable pregnancy, and parental consent is not required for these services. We are here to help you learn more about your options and support you without judgment.
Empowered Consent
Understanding your rights and responsibilities under state law is a crucial part of empowered consent. Whether someone chooses to carry a pregnancy to term, explore adoption, or seek an abortion out of state, access to clear, accurate information is essential.
Our centers offer free and confidential services before
abortion. These services are available to minors, and parental consent is
not required. If you're considering your
options, we are here to support you with facts, not pressure.
If you're not located near our centers, we can also refer you to a free pregnancy clinic near you that can assist you as you navigate your next steps.
If you think you may be pregnant and want to understand your options, Pregnancy Help Center is here to help.
Our compassionate team is here to support you with facts, not pressure—so you can make an informed decision that’s right for you.
Schedule your free appointment today and explore your
options in a safe, nonjudgmental environment.
