Is Abortion Legal in Texas?
- Abortion is illegal in Texas.
- In Texas, only medically necessary abortions can be performed. Terminations are permitted when continuing the pregnancy poses a serious risk to the physical health or life of the mother.
- Anyone aiding in an abortion may be prosecuted.
This page addresses abortion questions such as:
- Can You Get an Abortion in Texas?
- How Late Can You Get an Abortion in Texas?
- Is Abortion Illegal in Texas?
⚖️ Wondering whether to get an abortion? Take the Abortion Test.
Can You Get an Abortion in Texas?
It is not possible to get an abortion in Texas except in very rare cases — if the continuation of the pregnancy poses a severe risk to the mother's physical health or life. Here, abortion is permitted since pregnancy loss is not the goal; abortion is the indirect consequence of a life-saving medical procedure. This is also known as indirect abortion.
- Telemedicine abortions are not available in Texas.
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How Late Can You Get an Abortion in Texas?
Texas has had a complete ban on abortion since July 1, 2022. Still, while abortion is illegal in Texas, medically necessary abortions are possible throughout all nine months of pregnancy.
📅 Unsure how far along you are? Use our Pregnancy Tracker to find out!
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Is Abortion Illegal in Texas?
Since abortion is banned in Texas, it is illegal for anyone to perform an abortion outside the legal parameters. Any abortion that is not medically necessary is considered a criminal offense, whether performed by a medical doctor or a layperson.
Self-inducing an abortion without the aid of a medical provider is illegal in Texas. This law was established with the health of women in mind. Most homemade abortion methods carry higher risks, making them unsafe. The concern for the safety of the mother is of the highest priority.
Still, no woman procuring an abortion will be prosecuted; only the person aiding in an abortion, such as a person providing medical services, funds, transportation, abortifacients, or abortion instruments, can be charged. This could result in a prison sentence of 2-20 years and a minimum fine of $100,000.
Traveling to another state for an abortion is legal for a Texas resident, but Texas-based companies that support their employees' out-of-state abortion may be prosecuted. This state law was made to protect women from employer-coerced abortions.
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I Need an Abortion in Texas — Now What?
Hopefully, our page addressed some of your practical questions about abortion in Texas. Perhaps your concerns go beyond the need for information. You may have recently found out you are pregnant, bringing your heart to a standstill while your mind races on.
We are here for you as you navigate your next steps! If you are deliberating whether to have an abortion, you are invited to participate in our weeklong Decision Coaching Sessions. This includes a free daily email for seven days, with thought-provoking ideas and stories of how other pregnant women have dealt with this challenging situation.
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