You’re pregnant and don’t want the baby anymore.
You may be thinking, how did I get here? What do I do? Where do I go from here?
Answering these questions and navigating your options when it comes to unplanned pregnancy is scary. These decisions are tough and there is a lot of information to consider when you decide you don’t want to be pregnant anymore.
From learning about abortion, abortion alternatives, and Texas law requirements, read more from White Rose Women’s Center below.
I’m considering getting an abortion, what are my options?
• Abortion •
Abortion has been legal in the United States since 1973. It is important to note that each state has different requirements and stipulations when it comes to abortion procedures, particularly late term abortion legislation.
If you are seriously considering abortion, you should be educated about your options and the different types of abortion procedures, especially since they directly pertain to your health. What’s more, you should educate yourself about how much an abortion is likely to cost.
Abortion Pill
There are the non-invasive options such as the Plan B (aka: “Morning After Pill”) or other abortion pills such as RU 486 (mifepristone) and methotrexate that can be used to terminate early first-trimester pregnancies. You should be aware that abortion pills like these are powerful, and tend to come with a variety of side effects.
Surgical Abortion
D&C Procedure
The D&C (Dilation and Curettage with Vacuum Aspiration) is performed during the first trimester and primarily uses suction to remove the fetus, placenta, etc. from the uterus.
D&E Procedure
The D&E (Dilation and Evacuation) is performed after the first trimester and must be done in a hospital. This procedure is more painful and usually involves painkillers and local anesthetics. The doctor dilates the cervix then scrapes the uterus to remove the fetus, though for late term abortions done after 16 weeks, other medical instruments and dissection methods are used to remove the fetus.
• Abortion Alternatives •
Adoption
There are a lot of adoption agencies, religious nonprofits, and local child services that can provide legal and practical guidance if you choose adoption as an abortion alternative. Relative adoptions can sometimes be an option as well.
A Woman’s Right to Know
In 2011 the Texas Health & Safety Code was updated, which now requires a sonogram and a private consultation with the doctor in person a minimum of 24 before an abortion.
Women need to be informed about their health and the potential risks and physical side effects of different abortion procedures.
If you don’t have access to a sonogram and don’t have your own OB/GYN to meet with, contact us and we’ll help you find resources in your area.
Also in the state of Texas according to the Health and Safety Code, abortion after 16 weeks “may be performed only at an ambulatory surgical center or hospital licensed to perform the abortion.”
Abortion and Minors
Get More Information on Abortion and Other Resources
We want to help provide you with all the resources and support you need when making decisions regarding abortion and other abortion alternatives.
From information on local clinics, legal requirements, free counseling and other services, no appointment is required to contact us or visit one of our Dallas, TX White Rose Women’s Center facilities.
All appointments and counseling services are confidential.
We have your health and well being at heart.
Get the information and services you need, including:
- Free pregnancy test
- Free counseling
- Information on abortion procedures
- Clinical referrals
- Abortion alternatives
- Post-abortion guidance
- And more pregnancy-related services
