The abortion pill is a medical procedure used to terminate a pregnancy early on. It is FDA-approved through the first ten weeks of pregnancy. After this time, another method of abortion may be recommended.
There is no official set of requirements that you must meet to receive abortion pills. However, factors affecting your safety should be considered to ensure the best possible outcome. Rather than eligibility, it’s more about the legality and safety of the procedure. Here are a few key considerations to keep in mind before moving forward with the abortion pill.
Abortion in Texas
In Texas, abortion is banned, with exceptions only when the woman’s life is at risk or in cases of severe health complications. This means that abortion services are not available within the state. Understanding these laws is crucial when considering your options moving forward.
How Far Along You Are
Your pregnancy gestation is an important factor when determining the safest method of abortion. Since the FDA has only approved medical abortion through 10 weeks, if you are beyond this point, a surgical abortion is likely to be the safer option.
An ultrasound can provide this critical detail to help assess how far along you are.
Pre-Existing Medical Conditions
Certain pre-existing conditions may make the abortion pill unsafe for you. For example, if you are allergic to the medications used or have an IUD in place, medical abortion may not be an option. Additionally, the second drug in the abortion process, misoprostol, causes uterine contractions and bleeding, which could pose risks for those with bleeding disorders, heart disease, or who take blood thinners.
Having a sexually transmitted disease (STD) could also complicate the process, but treatment for STDs can help prevent pelvic inflammatory disease.
If an ultrasound reveals an ectopic pregnancy or miscarriage, the abortion pill will not be effective. In such cases, alternative treatment will be needed.
This is Your Pregnancy
As you consider your options, Cleburne Pregnancy Center is here to offer support. While we do not provide or refer for abortion services, we can help you explore your choices and make an informed decision. We offer free pregnancy testing, ultrasounds, and the time to ask questions in a confidential and safe environment.
Contact us to schedule your free and confidential appointment today!
All abortion information sourced in this blog is based on accurate information at the time of writing.
Note: Abortion is currently illegal in Texas except in cases of life endangerment, but women cannot be held criminally or civilly liable for seeking one.