1. How accessible is abortion in Texas?

Abortion is heavily restricted in Texas. Under the provisions of HB 2, passed in 2013, all abortions must take place in an ambulatory surgical center, medication abortions must be administered in person, and abortion providers must have admitting privileges at a nearby hospital. Furthermore, there is a 24-hour waiting period, and certain types of insurance plans are prohibited from covering abortion. As a result of these restrictions, the number of abortion clinics operating in the state has decreased significantly.

2. What is the legal gestational limit for abortion in Texas?

The legal gestational limit for abortion in Texas is 24 weeks post-fertilization or 20 weeks post-LMP (last menstrual period).

3. Does Texas require parental involvement for minors seeking an abortion?

Yes, Texas requires parental involvement for minors seeking an abortion. Minors must obtain written consent from a parent or legal guardian in order to receive an abortion. If written consent is not able to be obtained, a minor can seek a judicial bypass.

4. Does Texas mandate waiting periods before an abortion?

Yes, Texas does mandate a 24-hour waiting period before an abortion.

5. Does Texas require the disclosure of any information prior to an abortion?

Yes. Texas requires that a pregnant woman receive information from a doctor or a healthcare provider 24 hours before having an abortion. This information must include information about the nature of the procedure, the risks and alternatives to abortion, the potential medical complications associated with abortion, and a list of available agencies offering alternatives to abortion.

6. Does Texas provide public funding for abortion services?

No, Texas does not provide public funding for abortion services. There is a law that prohibits the use of state or local funds to pay for abortions, except in cases of life endangerment, rape, or incest.

7. Are there any exceptions to the gestational limit in Texas?

Yes. The Texas Supreme Court has ruled that in certain circumstances, abortions can be performed after the 20-week limit. These exceptions include serious medical risks to the mother, severe fetal abnormalities, or pregnancies resulting from rape or incest.

8. Can a physician or medical facility refuse to provide abortion services in Texas?

Yes, a physician or medical facility can refuse to provide abortion services in Texas. This is known as the right of conscience and is protected under Texas law. Physicians and medical facilities have the right to refuse to provide, participate in, recommend, or refer for abortion services.

9. Are there any laws related to medication or surgical abortions in Texas?

Yes, there are laws related to medication and surgical abortions in Texas. In Texas, women seeking an abortion must receive counseling at least 24 hours prior to the procedure. The counseling must include information about the availability of ultrasound imaging and the ability to hear an audible heartbeat of the fetus, as well as information about the possibility of reversing a medication abortion and a description of medical assistance benefits that may be available in the event of a complication. The woman must then wait at least 24 hours before having an abortion. Additionally, all abortions must be performed in a licensed ambulatory surgical center or hospital. Finally, all medication abortions must take place in a facility with a doctor or physician assistant present and must comply with U.S. Food and Drug Administration protocols.

10. Is informed consent required by providers before performing an abortion in Texas?

Yes, informed consent is required by providers before performing an abortion in Texas. Informed consent includes signing an acknowledgment form that provides a detailed description of the abortion, the risks and alternatives to abortion, and the possible effects of the procedure.

11. Does Texas allow for the provision of telemedicine abortion services?

Yes, Texas allows for the provision of telemedicine abortion services. However, there are certain restrictions in place, such as requiring that the doctor be physically present during the telemedicine visit.

12. Are specific medical facilities required to provide abortions in Texas?

Yes. Publically funded women’s health clinics, such as Planned Parenthood, are required to provide abortions in Texas. Private medical facilities may also provide the procedure if they choose to do so.

13. Does Texas have any regulations regarding the provision of post-abortion care?

Yes, Texas does have regulations regarding the provision of post-abortion care. These regulations are in place to ensure that patients receive the highest quality of care after an abortion. The regulations require that providers offer follow-up care, including an evaluation and counseling, and provide information about contraception, STI prevention, and other health services. Additionally, providers must refer patients to a qualified counselor if needed, and must document the post-abortion care provided.

14. Does Texas have any restrictions on abortion protestors near clinics or medical facilities providing abortions?

Yes, Texas does have restrictions on abortion protestors near clinics or medical facilities providing abortions. Under the Texas Health and Safety Code, it is a criminal offense for someone to engage in certain prohibited conduct, such as obstructing or impeding access to a facility providing abortion services, knowingly approaching a person within 100 feet of the facility for the purpose of protesting or dissuading them from obtaining an abortion, using abusive language, making threats, or intentionally interfering with the normal operation of the facility. Violators may be subject to criminal and civil penalties.

15. Can health insurance plans cover abortion services in Texas?

No, health insurance plans in Texas are not allowed to cover abortion services. The state has laws and regulations that prohibit public funds from being used to pay for abortion services.

16. Are there any requirements for the disposal of fetal tissue after an abortion in Texas?

Yes, there are. In Texas, fetal tissue must be disposed of in a humane manner, either through burial, cremation, or incineration. Any health care facility that performs abortions must arrange for the disposal of all fetal remains.

17. How are fetal remains handled after an abortion in Texas?

In Texas, fetal remains must be buried or cremated after an abortion. This rule was put into place in 2017. The law requires abortion providers to arrange for burial or cremation of fetal remains regardless of gestational age. The abortion provider must ensure that the remains are buried, cremated, or otherwise disposed of in a respectful manner. The law does not require the abortion provider to arrange for a funeral.

18. Does Texas recognize gestational and fetal age based on ultrasound measurements?

Yes, Texas does recognize gestational and fetal age based on ultrasound measurements.

19. Are there any laws related to informed consent for minors seeking an abortion in Texas?

Yes. In Texas, if a minor wishes to have an abortion, a parent or legal guardian must either provide written consent for the abortion or receive judicial bypass in order for the abortion to take place. Judicial bypass involves the minor obtaining a court order that allows them to bypass parental consent.

20. Is there a judicial bypass process to allow minors to obtain an abortion without parental consent in Texas?

Yes, there is a judicial bypass process in Texas that allows minors to obtain an abortion without parental consent. A minor can go to court and ask a judge to allow her to get the abortion without her parents’ knowledge or permission. The request must be in writing, and the minor must be able to show that she is mature enough to make the decision on her own. The judge can then grant the bypass or deny it.