Considering abortion? You have legal rights.
Pregnancy Resource Center East
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If you are considering an abortion in Texas,
this is a summary of your legal rights according to the
Woman’s Right to Know Act.

•  Abortions may only be performed by physicians licensed by the state of Texas.
•  Abortion of a fetus 16 weeks or more is allowed only at a licensed ambulatory
  surgical center or hospital.
•  Abortion of a fetus in the third trimester (over 26 weeks) is prohibited except:
o  in cases where the fetus is removed to increase his/her chance for survival,
o  to remove a dead fetus, or
o  when deemed necessary to prevent the death or substantial risk of serious
    impairment of the woman.
•  Abortions must be on a voluntary basis. No one can be forced to have an abortion.
•  The woman having the abortion must be informed of:
o  the name of the physician performing the abortion,
o  the medical risks associated with abortion, including:
  risk of infection,
  risk of hemorrhage,
  potential danger to future pregnancies,
  potential danger of future infertility,
  possibility of increased risk of breast cancer,
o  natural protective effect of completed pregnancy in avoiding breast cancer,
o  the probable age of the fetus at time of abortion,
o  the medical risks of carrying the child to term,
o  medical benefits that may be available for prenatal, childbirth and neonatal
   health care,
o  the father’s liability for support, whether or not he offered to pay for the
   abortion,
o  public and private agencies who provide pregnancy prevention counseling
   and medical assistance
o  public and private agencies who offer alternatives to abortion.
•  The woman having the abortion has the right to review printed information
   provided by the Texas Department of Health.
o  The physician must provide a printed copy at least 24 hours before the
   abortion is scheduled.
o  The physician can mail the material as long as it is received at least 72 hours
   before the abortion is scheduled.
o  The woman can choose to view the material on the Texas Department of
   State Health services website instead of receiving printed material
o  The woman must certify in writing, before the abortion, that the information
   was provided and she had at least 24 hours to review it.
•  If the woman is a minor, a parent or guardian must be notified of the abortion,  
  unless a judge waives notification.

You have the right to receive pre-abortion counseling where all your rights and risks can be explained in detail.

If you are in east Harris, Chambers or Liberty Counties, contact the
for free, confidential pre-abortion counseling, including ultrasound.
For a geographical list of other TX agencies,
To access the Texas Department of State Health Services website to find out more about your legal rights on your own,
For a printable copy of the Woman's Right to Know booklet provided by Texas DSHS, describing pregnancy and its options,
To learn more about your options, (especially abortion procedures and complications) see our Info Links section >>>