La mamá de Forrest Gump tenía razón cuando dijo, “la vida es como una caja de bombones. Nunca sabes lo que te vas a encontrar”.
You probably never thought that your “box of chocolates” would include a surprise pregnancy.
But it does now
What can you do with a pregnancy you weren’t expecting, and don’t know if you want?
As a Texan, abortion is no longer an option unless you are able to travel hundreds of miles out of state.
What Are the Laws in Texas Regarding Abortion?
On August 25, 2022 a trigger law went into effect that banned all abortion in Texas, starting at the fertilization of the egg.
Anyone who violates this law by performing an abortion can face prison for life. Women seeking abortion are exempt from this; only the people who perform abortions are liable.
Additionally, anyone who drives someone to an abortion, mails them an abortion pill, or pays for an abortion procedure can also be sued and pay larges fines.
The only exception for abortion is in case of medical emergency when the woman’s life is at risk.
What Other Options Do You Have?
What can you do?
- Place your baby with adoptive parents. This option may sound daunting, but you will have licensed professionals helping you every step of the way. If adoption is something you are interested in simply learning about before you make a decision, we can answer your questions and connect you with adoption agencies that can help you!
- Parent your child. Even if you don’t feel ready to be a parent, this could be the right choice for you. It is worth considering what it might look like for you to parent before you totally rule it out as an option. There are plenty of resources and people who are here to help set you up for success.
- If you’re still considering abortion outside of Texas, you should know you will likely incur several costs. <br>If you are still within the first ten weeks of pregnancy you can get a medication abortion, which will still require a doctor visit out of state to get a prescription since it is illegal to get a prescription via telemedicine in Texas. The abortion pill can cost up to $750, though the average person pays $530. Plus, you will likely need an ultrasound to confirm how far along you are. Don’t forget to factor in the costs of travel.<br>If you get a surgical abortion in the second trimester, you are looking at costs upwards of $1,500, plus travel costs and any costs for the pre-abortion appointment and post-abortion care.
How is Texas Helping Pregnant Women?
In 2005 the state passed legislation for a program that would provide help to women who choose not to have an abortion. In 2021, the program received $100 million in funding.
The program’s services include counseling and mentoring; classes on pregnancy, parenting, adoption, life skills, and employment readiness; supplies such as car seats, clothing, diapers, and formula; and housing through maternity homes.
The state also pays for more than half of all births through Medicaid.
Pregnant women can apply for WIC and other government aid for food or childcare
You do not have to do this alone. Please contact us today to talk to one of our trained counselors about how we can best help you in your pregnancy journey.
