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Abortion in Texas: What You Need to Know

A lot has changed recently in regard to abortion laws and access. We are here to help you sort out your options and next steps. As of August 25, 2022, the Texas Trigger Law (Chapter 170A, Texas Health & Safety Code) banned abortion in Texas (1).  This law makes it a crime to provide an abortion in Texas, except in case of a medical emergency (life & major bodily function).  It is important to note that the law applies to those providing abortion and not women seeking an abortion. The law also does not stop women from traveling outside of Texas for an abortion. The law also DOES NOT BAN: Birth control Emergency contraception (Plan B, Ella, the morning after pill) Treating a miscarriage Treating an ectopic pregnancy What does that mean for you? Texas women wanting to end a pregnancy are now looking at traveling to a state where abortion is legal or arranging an at-home abortion with abortion pills. This new landscape can make many women feel alone in their situation. It can also mean that important health considerations before or after an abortion are not recognized or treated by a medical professional. Your health is important. Before

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Are abortions allowed in Texas now that Roe v. Wade was overturned?

Wondering if you can still get an abortion in Texas? You have probably heard that on June 24, 2022, the US Supreme Court released its opinion overturning Roe v. Wade and returning the abortion question back to the states (1). As of August 25, 2022, the Texas Trigger Law (Chapter 170A, Texas Health & Safety Code) banned abortion in Texas (2). What to know about the trigger law in Texas: Includes medical emergency exceptions (life & major bodily function) The law applies to those providing an abortion; women seeking an abortion will not be prosecuted Does not stop women from traveling outside of Texas for abortion Does not ban: In-Vitro Fertilization or other ARTs Birth control Emergency Contraception (Plan B, Ella, the Morning After Pill) Treating a miscarriage Treating an ectopic pregnancy If you are considering abortion, the Fort Worth Pregnancy Center offers a no-charge, pre-abortion screening service to assess your pregnancy and review your options, so you can be fully informed. Here is what to expect: We will verify your pregnancy with a lab-quality pregnancy test. We will inform you of all your options, including abortion procedures, risks, recovery time, and relevant laws. Our medical staff may provide an

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Should I Take a Pregnancy Test After Plan B?

You had unprotected sex and took Plan B, and now you’re on pins and needles, wondering if it worked. Being unsure if Plan B successfully prevented a pregnancy or not can be really nerve-racking. So should you take a pregnancy test after taking Plan B? We’ll answer that and your other questions here.   About Plan B Plan B One-Step is the brand name of a morning-after pill that women take to prevent pregnancy after contraception failure or unprotected sex that is consensual or forced. It’s not the same as the abortion pill, which ends a confirmed pregnancy. Plan B is available at local stores without a prescription and doesn’t require identification or proof of age to purchase. It is most effective at preventing pregnancy 12-24 hours after unprotected sex. According to the manufacturer, it’s approximately 61% effective if taken between 48 and 72 hours (2-3 days). The sooner it’s taken, the more effective it is. Plan B contains high levels of hormones and is not intended to be used as regular birth control.   What Happens After You Take Plan B? If you choose to take Plan B, it may prevent pregnancy in one of three ways: Preventing ovulation

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Medical Abortion vs. Surgical Abortion: What Is the Difference?

When you’re in the process of deciding what to do about an unexpected pregnancy, so many questions arise. If you’re considering abortion, you may be wondering about the difference between a medical abortion and a surgical abortion. We applaud you for gathering information, so you have accurate answers before making a final decision about your unplanned pregnancy. This article aims to empower you as you learn more about medical abortions, surgical abortions, and the differences between the two.   What Is a Medical Abortion? A medical abortion is also referred to as a chemical abortion or the “abortion pill.” It is a procedure that involves taking two different medications, mifepristone and misoprostol, to end a pregnancy. Mifepristone interrupts the pregnancy’s attachment to the uterine lining by blocking the progesterone hormone. Misoprostol expels the pregnancy by producing heavy uterine cramping. What Is a Surgical Abortion? A surgical abortion is a procedure using instruments and suction to end a pregnancy. There are different types of surgical abortions depending on how far along the pregnancy is. Suction abortion is used up to 14-16 weeks after the first day of the last period. D&E abortions are performed for pregnancies over 16 weeks. Medical Abortion

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“Help! My Teenage Daughter is Pregnant!”

“Mom, Dad, I’m pregnant.” Shocked. Blindsided. Disappointed. If you’re the parent of a teenager and have heard these words from your daughter, or you have a son who shared with you that his girlfriend is pregnant, you’re probably dealing with a tidal wave of different emotions as you try to come to terms with a difficult situation. While it might not be what you expected, it does happen every day. Nearly 250,000 teenage girls in the United States give birth every year. (1)  Here are a few tips on how you can help your daughter or son navigate an unplanned pregnancy. Start by Listening This is going to be tough, as you probably have a million things you want to say. The temptation might be for you to speak in anger but take the time to really listen to your teen as they share their feelings and the details surrounding the pregnancy. The fact that your son or daughter has come to you means they trust you. They are inviting you into the situation, into the pregnancy and the decisions surrounding it. Many teens try to keep their pregnancies from their parents a secret out of fear or shame, much

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Exploring the Loving Choice of Adoption

Exploring the Loving Choice of Adoption When facing an unplanned pregnancy, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed and unsure of what to do next. You might be considering adoption but aren’t really sure where to start. That’s where we can help! Let’s talk about the benefits of adoption for birth mothers and explore the three types of adoptions, so you can decide which option might be the best fit for you and your child. Making an adoption plan is a big decision, but we’re here for you every step of the way. Why Consider Adoption? Adoption Puts You in Full Control You get to choose the family you want for your child, the type of adoption you want to pursue and the agency you want to partner with as you go through this process. Adoption is Free for the Birth Mother Adoption costs are 100% free and covered by the adopted family. Included are important things like: 24/7 support and counseling Adoption planning Medical care for the birth mother and baby Legal services Living expenses, depending on your circumstances   Adoption Gives You Peace of Mind Knowing your baby is being loved and cared for by the couple of your choice

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