If you’re considering a medical abortion (the abortion pill) it’s important to know how it works, the risks associated with it, and how Texas laws affect access.
At Aggieland Pregnancy Outreach, we provide free and confidential pregnancy support, including options counseling, referrals, and resource assistance for women facing unplanned pregnancies in our state. Contact us to schedule your appointment.
Here are five facts you may not know about medical abortion in Texas.
1. Is it Legal in Texas?
In Texas, all forms of abortion are currently banned except to preserve the life of the mother. A woman who obtains an abortion cannot be held criminally or civilly liable. It is also illegal to ship abortion inducing drugs into the state of Texas.
2. Heavy Bleeding Is Common
A medical abortion usually causes heavier bleeding than a regular period. Some women pass large clots—sometimes described as the size of a lemon—along with severe cramping.
While bleeding is expected, soaking through more than two pads an hour for two hours or more, or passing clots larger than a lemon, could signal a complication that needs urgent medical attention.
3. Ordering the Abortion Pill Online Is Risky
The FDA advises against ordering the abortion pill online. Many online abortion pill providers are located overseas, so their pills may not meet FDA standards. These pills could be counterfeit, expired, or even tampered with.
4. You Have a Right to Know
The FDA has only approved the abortion pill, which is a combination of mifepristone and misoprostol, for use during the first 10 weeks of pregnancy. This makes early detection and accurate timing essential.
5. A Medical Abortion Can Affect Your Mental Health
Going through a medical abortion can have a profound impact on your mental health, both in the short term and long term. Many women have reported adverse mental outcomes afterwards, including:
- Guilt
- Shame
- Regret
- Self-hatred
- Drug or alcohol addiction
- Low self-esteem
- Anxiety
- Thoughts or attempts of suicide
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
The American Psychological Association found that “some women do experience sadness, grief, and feelings of loss following termination of a pregnancy, and some experience clinically significant disorders, including depression and anxiety.”
Support Is Closer Than You Think
At Aggieland Pregnancy Outreach, we believe you deserve accurate information about all your options. We offer free pregnancy services, including pregnancy testing, options counseling, and both material and emotional support.
While ultrasounds are not performed at our center, we can connect you with trusted providers in Byran/College Station who will confirm how far along you are, check for a heartbeat, and rule out an ectopic pregnancy. This information is essential before making any decision about your pregnancy.
We’re here for you. Schedule a confidential appointment to speak with our staff about all your options so you can make a fully informed, empowered decision.