Thirty days after the Supreme Court’s decision in Jackson Women’s Health v. Dobbs, abortion will be entirely banned in Texas. Those performing abortions and potentially those who “aid or abet” abortions in Texas will be subject to significant criminal penalties at that time, but a pregnant person cannot be prosecuted. Additionally, SB8 still imposes civil penalties of $10,000 on anyone other than a pregnant person who provides or assists with abortions in Texas, and allows any person in Texas (other than state employees) to sue under its provisions.

Texans who need abortion care must access care in states where it is legal. You can find a list of those states here.

First, look at the list of clinics and call to get an appointment in a state where abortion is available. Jane’s Due Process may have information specifically relevant for minors, even though judicial bypass is likely no longer available in Texas. If you need help paying for an abortion or traveling to the clinic, here is a list of organizations that may be able to help.

The average cost of a first trimester abortion can start at ~$450, however, cost can vary based on provider and certain medical conditions. If you are past 12 weeks, the cost will be higher and will increase the further along you are in the pregnancy.

First you will have to go to the clinic for blood work, counseling and a sonogram. Texas law requires that you do this at least 24 hours before your abortion procedure, unless the nearest clinic to you is more than 100 miles away. If the nearest clinic to you is more than 100 miles away, you will have to wait two hours.

Texas law requires that the same physician who will perform the abortion do your sonogram and explain it to you. If another organization offers you a free sonogram, please be aware that you CANNOT use this for your abortion. Many anti-abortion “crisis pregnancy centers” offer free sonograms, sometimes in a van or bus outside the clinic, but this is an attempt to get you to come in so they can try to coerce you out of having an abortion. These centers are not supportive of all your options and will not help you get an abortion, if that is what you want.

Your experience at the clinic will vary slightly depending on the provider and which abortion procedure you choose. There are two types of abortion procedure that are offered, medication abortion (abortion pills) and procedural abortion; both procedures are safe and effective.

Probably not. Unfortunately, Medicaid only covers abortion care in the case of rape or incest, and many private insurance policies only cover abortion in cases of life endangerment, however you should check with your insurance company to determine your coverage. If you confirm you have insurance coverage, check with your clinic about how to use it- you may need to submit for reimbursement after your abortion.

I don’t have a car or a ride. How can I get to the nearest clinic?

Some abortion funds can help you get to the clinic by giving you a ride or paying for a bus ticket and hotel depending on your situation.

No. If you are interested in having an abortion, or want to talk to someone about all your pregnancy options, there are a couple of hotlines listed on our resource list we recommend you call instead. These centers are referred to as crisis pregnancy centers (CPCs) or “fake clinics”. They’re unregulated and unlicensed and advertise themselves as pregnancy resource centers, but they are not full-options counseling centers and cannot be trusted for medical advice. These centers are run by anti-abortion organizations that promise free services in an attempt to force their views on you. While it may be tempting to visit one of these centers with abortion clinics across the state closed, we believe you deserve accurate healthcare and counseling from a licensed medical provider and counselors.

When making your appointment with the clinic remember to ask about any laws you might have to follow including whether an ID is required. Also be sure to check that your form of ID will be accepted.