Abortion Information Brenham, Texas
All of the following information has been cited; citations can be found in the References section at the bottom of this page.
Brenham Pregnancy Center in Brenham, Texas understands the difficulty of facing an unexpected pregnancy. We believe that information empowers. We strive to provide you with objective pregnancy and sexual health education so you can make a confident decision. If you are considering abortion, your first step is to learn more about your options. We’re here to help you no matter what choice you make. All services are provided at no cost to you.
ABORTION PILL COST
Medication abortion also called the abortion pill, is currently banned in the state of Texas.
SUCTION ABORTION COST
Suction aspiration, also called suction curettage, or vacuum aspiration abortion, is currently banned in the state of Texas.
D&E ABORTION COST
D&E abortion (dilation and evacuation procedure) is currently banned in the state of Texas.
MEDICAL ABORTION
Note: Medical abortion is currently banned in the state of Texas.
All of the following information on this page comes from the FDA.¹
Medication abortion (also called the abortion pill) can be taken up to 70 days (10 weeks pregnant) after the start of your last menstrual period.
- It’s called RU-486 and was approved by the FDA in 2000; it is also called a medical or chemical abortion.
- The pill is actually two drugs, mifepristone and misoprostol, taken in two separate doses.
- It is usually taken between 4-6 weeks but can be taken up to 11 weeks in most cases.
- It is not an option for people with certain medical conditions.
- The abortion pill is not the same as the emergency contraceptive, The Morning After Pill or Plan B One Step.
- Abortion pill reversal is possible if action is taken after the first dose.
Action – The first medication, Mifeprex blocks progesterone. Progesterone is a hormone that is necessary for the pregnancy to survive. Without progesterone, the embryo dies. The second medication, Mifepristone, causes cramping, expelling the embryo and uterine contents.
Side effects – Cramping and bleeding are expected. Bleeding may be like a heavy period. Bleeding can last 9 to 16 days and possibly up to 30 days. Other possible side effects include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, fever, chills, weakness, dizziness and headache.¹
Complications – Possible complications include heavy bleeding requiring surgery to stop the bleeding, and serious infection. Before taking any medication, you should discuss the risks with your doctor and know what do to if complications arise.¹
Follow-up – It is important to follow-up with your doctor 1 to 2 weeks after taking this medication regime to see if an abortion has occurred and to assess for complications.
SURGICAL ABORTION
Note: Surgical abortion is currently banned in the state of Texas.
Surgical abortions are done by opening the cervix and passing instruments into the uterus to suction, grasp, pull, and scrape the pregnancy out. The exact procedure is determined by the baby’s level of growth.21,22
Aspiration/Suction23,24 – Up to 13 weeks LMP. Most early surgical abortions are performed using this method. Local anesthesia is typically offered to reduce pain. The abortion involves opening the cervix, passing a tube inside the uterus, and attaching it to suction device which pulls the embryo out.
Dilation and Evacuation25,26 (D&E) – 13 weeks LMP and up. Most second trimester abortions are performed using this method. Local anesthesia, oral, or intravenous pain medications and sedation are commonly used. Besides the need to open the cervix much wider, the main difference between this procedure and a first trimester abortion is the use of forceps to grasp fetal parts and remove the baby in pieces. D&E is associated with a much higher risk of complications compared to a first trimester surgical abortion.
D&E After Viability27-29 – 21 weeks LMP and up. This procedure typically takes 2–3 days and is associated with increased risk to the life and health of the mother. General anesthesia is usually recommended, if available. Drugs may be injected into the fetus or the amniotic fluid to stop the baby’s heart before starting the procedure. The cervix is opened wide, the amniotic sac is broken, and forceps are used to dismember the fetus. The “Intact D&E” pulls the fetus out legs first, then crushes the skull in order to remove the fetus in one piece. Viability is the ability of a fetus to survive outside the womb. This typically occurs around 24 weeks of gestation, although it can vary depending on various factors, including the development of the fetus and the availability of medical technology.
CONFIDENTIAL ABORTION CONSULTATION – NO COST TO YOU
At your appointment, you will be provided a lab-quality pregnancy test first. If positive, you will be offered an ultrasound. A free ultrasound can confirm a viable pregnancy and estimate how far along in pregnancy you are. If you are considering abortion, an ultrasound will provide important information that will tell you more about your options. Abortion costs vary depending on how far along you are and the abortion procedure that you receive. Speak with a nurse today about our ultrasound services.
Abortion Restrictions in Texas
All of the following information has been cited; citations can be found in the References section at the bottom of this page.
→ ABORTION RESTRICTIONS
“Abortion is currently banned in Texas, except to preserve the life of the mother. This will not affect care for miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy. A woman who seeks or obtains an abortion will not be held criminally or civilly liable under Texas law.”
REFERENCES
MEDICAL ABORTION
1. Information taken from U.S. Food and Drug Administration (2016). “Mifeprex Medication Guide.” U.S. Department of Health. Retrieved from http://www.fda.gov/downloads/Drugs/DrugSafety/UCM088643.pdf
SURGICAL ABORTIONS
21. Information taken from Texas Health & Human Services Comission (2016). “A woman’s right to know. informational Material.” Retrieved from: https://www.hhs.texas.gov/sites/default/files/documents/services/health/women-children/womans-right-to-know.pdf
22. Information taken from Texas Health & Human Services Comission (2016). “A woman’s right to know. informational Material.” Retrieved from: https://www.hhs.texas.gov/sites/default/files/documents/services/health/women-children/womans-right-to-know.pdf
23. Paul, M., Lichtenberg, E. S., Borgatta, L., Grimes, D. A., Stubblefield, P. G., & Creinin, M. D. (2009). First Trimester Aspiration Abortion. In Management of unintended and abnormal pregnancy: Comprehensive abortion care (pp. 135-156).
24. Chichester, UK: Wiley-Blackwell. Planned Parenthood Federation of America Inc. (2014). In-Clinic Abortion Procedures : Planned Parenthood. Retrieved July 19, 2014.
25. Planned Parenthood Federation of America Inc. (2014). In-Clinic Abortion Procedures : Planned Parenthood. Retrieved October 28, 2015.
26. Paul, M., Lichtenberg, E. S., Borgatta, L., Grimes, D. A., Stubblefield, P. G., & Creinin, M. D. (2009). Dilation and Evacuation. In Management of unintended and abnormal pregnancy: Comprehensive abortion care (pp. 157-74). Chichester, UK: Wiley-Blackwell.
27. Paul, M., Lichtenberg, E. S., Borgatta, L., Grimes, D. A., Stubblefield, P. G., & Creinin, M. D. (2009). Dilation and Evacuation. In Management of unintended and abnormal pregnancy: Comprehensive abortion care (pp. 157-74). Chichester, UK: Wiley-Blackwell.
28. American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology. (2013). Practice Bulletin: Second-Trimester Abortion (135).
29. Pasquini, L., et al. Intracardiac injection of potassium chloride as method for feticide: Experience from a single U.K. tertiary centre. Br J Obstet Gynaecol. 2008;115(4):528–31.
ABORTION RESTRICTIONS
State Facts About Abortion: Texas. Guttmacher Institute (2022). Retrieved 1-12-22 from https://www.guttmacher.org/fact-sheet/state-facts-about-abortion-texas
HEALTH AND SAFETY CODE CHAPTER 171. ABORTION (texas.gov)
HEALTH AND SAFETY CODE CHAPTER 170A. PERFORMANCE OF ABORTION (texas.gov)
